Birmingham, AL: Out of the eight suspects, five appeared in court on Monday morning for their initial appearance under Aniah’s Law. At the bond hearing for Mahogany Jackson’s murder and kidnapping, Judge Kechia Davis presided over the appearance of Teja Lewis, 25, Si’nya McCall, 23, Blair Green, 25, Giovonnie Clapp, 23, and Airana Robinson, 23.
The sole eyewitness who testified on behalf of the state was Birmingham Police Homicide Detective Mark Green, who detailed the events depicted in five videos shot by the accused.
According to him, the mother, who is 20 years old, mistook the 24-year-old residence of another suspect, Brandon Pope, for a gathering spot. But the prosecutor claims that’s when the tape stops, showing her outdoors nude as Lewis beats her as McCall kicks her. “Green” states the matter. Shortly after that, McCall yells out, “Put her in the trunk.”
At that point, according to their theory, she was transferred to an apartment that Lewis and McCall shared. It was also documented that violent acts occurred there. According to investigators, Jackson was punched, slapped, spat on, and pistol-whipped while she was chained and naked.
They found two firearms, but they need further evidence to identify which one was actually used in the crime. According to Green, they have all of the suspects’ cell phones and are currently searching through them for evidence in order to establish a timeline.
According to the police, Jackson called her family at around 8 in the morning on February 25th and said, “I’ve been kidnapped. Get assistance. Leave a message. A gunshot wound to the back of the head was discovered on the body of Jackson the following morning. At the intersection of Cedar Avenue and 17th Street Southwest, an illicit dumping site—what one lawyer called a “dead man road”—was where she was discovered, according to detectives.
The fact that she was allegedly coerced into sexual actions while holding a gun to her head is another troubling aspect of this case. At least a few of the accused documented the atrocities on camera and shared the footage online. According to Detective Green, the suspects threaten Jackson’s life in the tapes.
At today’s hearing, members of Mahogany’s family, including her mother Gail Maddox, were present, and their emotions were palpable as details were given. Danny Carr, the district attorney for Jefferson County, visited with them thereafter.
According to Carr, “They’re shaken.” He adds that while it’s depressing to hear random discussion, hearing about a loved one’s tragic death in a formal environment could be even more devastating. I spoke with the present relatives and offered words of encouragement to them today.
With the argument that some of the accused had no connection to the murder of Mahogany Jackson, numerous defense counsel sought bond for their clients. Judge Davis rejected the motions, explaining that each defendant had a part to play and that the community would be better protected if they remained in prison.