Nationwide — Connie Jackson, an African American mother from Stone Mountain, Georgia, and her 11-year-old daughter Arielle were shot and killed inside their home. Authorities have arrested Jackson’s boyfriend, Roland Sukoo, who is also injured and hospitalized.
DeKalb County Police said Sukoo, who was dating and living with Jackson, faces two counts of malice murder in connection with the deaths. Sukoo was seriously injured in the incident and is being treated at a local hospital before being taken to jail.
Family members described Jackson as a loving mother and kindhearted person. “She could make just about anybody laugh,” said her mother, Artelar Jackson. “She didn’t have a hateful bone in her body. Everybody she came across — even if they were bad for her — she could still see the good in them.”
According to Atlanta News First, Artelar said Connie had endured emotional and verbal abuse from Sukoo. “The more time they spent together, things started getting out of hand,” she said. Despite this, Connie never accused him of physical abuse.
Shortly before the shooting, Connie FaceTimed her mother, signaling she was finally serious about leaving the relationship. “I knew she had finally made up her mind to get out,” Artelar said. Connie hesitated because she wanted to keep her family together after she and Sukoo had their first child, Tristan, six months ago.
During the shooting, the baby was inside the home. Police confirmed he was unharmed and is now in the care of his grandmother.
Authorities continue investigating the case as the community mourns the sudden loss of Jackson and her daughter.