2 men killed Michigan woman over $75 drug debt, boyfriend testifies

A Michigan woman was fatally shot in March over a $75 drug debt, her boyfriend testified Friday.

Tameka Jackson, 37, of Lansing, was killed March 13, the Lansing State Journal reported. Her boyfriend, Augustus Robinson, testified in a hearing that determined two men could be tried on charges of murder, attempted murder, home invasion and five felony weapons charges, the newspaper reported.

Accused of the charges are Rudolfo Alvarez, 31, and John Kennedy, 44, the State Journal reported.

According to court records, the two men went to Robinson’s apartment in January to collect the drug debt, the newspaper reported. Robinson said he told the men he would pay the debt as soon as he was paid the following week, but when he started walking toward Alvarez, he was warned to stop.

When Jackson picked up her cellphone and held it to her ear, Kennedy allegedly fired two shots, hitting the woman in the neck and torso, the State Journal reported.

Jackson called 911 and Robinson locked the apartment after the men left, but Kennedy kicked down the door and broke through the deadbolt, according to court records. He then shot Jackson two more times, Robinson testified.

“They could’ve easily left at that time,” Ingham County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney John Dewane told the court. “The only reason (Kennedy) came back in that house, your honor, is because he left a witness alive.”

Robinson said he was shot in the stomach by Kennedy, the State Journal reported.

Alvarez and Kennedy were bound over to circuit court for trial by Ingham County District Judge Kristen Simmons, the newspaper reported.

Attorneys for both men said they opposed Simmons' decision. Toby White, Alvarez's attorney, said his client was not responsible for "any of this outrageous violence," the State Journal reported.

Both men remain in custody at the Ingham County Jail without bail.

About the Author