A 29-year-old man, Zachary Lavel Jackson Jr., has been arrested and charged with multiple offences, including first-degree murder, following the gruesome killing of his mother, Lana Brown Bradley, at her residence in Natchez, Mississippi.
The incident came to light on April 4 after relatives reported Bradley missing, prompting deputies from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office to visit her home. Authorities said concerns were raised when her eldest son failed to reach her for over 24 hours.
Jackson, initially identified as a relative, was later confirmed to be the deceased’s son.
Speaking on the development, Sheriff Travis Patten described the case as one of the most disturbing he had encountered in his career.
“This is by far the most heinous crime I have ever witnessed. It is the kind of case that stays with you long after you leave the scene,” he said in an interview with WJTV.
Investigators disclosed that upon entering the residence, deputies observed clear signs of a recent cleanup, including strong chemical odours and unusually slippery floors.
“The moment they stepped inside, it was evident that someone had attempted to clean the place. The condition of the house raised immediate suspicion,” Patten added.
Jackson was eventually found inside a bathroom, where deputies reportedly made a shocking discovery that became central to the investigation.
Authorities alleged that parts of Bradley’s dismembered body were found in the toilet, while other remains were reportedly concealed in a suitcase.
According to investigators, the suspect is believed to have attempted to dispose of the body in a manner that would delay detection.
Jackson now faces charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, mayhem, and tampering with evidence.
Further findings revealed that Bradley, a retired teacher, had recently taken legal steps to evict her son from the residence. Sheriff Patten, citing family accounts, noted that Jackson had allegedly threatened his mother a day before the incident.
“She had gone to court to have him removed from the home, and he reportedly made threats against her shortly before her death,” the sheriff stated.
While authorities suggested the suspect may have exhibited signs of mental instability, they maintained that the nature of the crime pointed to deliberate actions.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
