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Insets, left to right: Bobby Jackson Jr. and Rebecca Rivera (Blackfoot Police Department). Background: Trailer park in Blackfoot, Idaho, where Jackson allegedly killed Rivera (Google Maps).
An Idaho teenager is facing serious charges after allegedly committing a fatal shooting in Blackfoot, approximately 250 miles east of Boise. The 16-year-old, identified as Bobby Grant Jackson Jr., is accused of stealing a firearm from his workplace and using it to kill 30-year-old Rebecca Rivera. The tragic incident arose after Rivera reportedly refused to give Jackson a ride, and he believed her brothers were involved in the death of his friend.
According to law enforcement, Jackson confessed to the crime, allegedly stating, “I put a bullet in her brain.” This admission has led to a first-degree murder charge against him. Rivera’s lifeless body was discovered by her family around 4 p.m. at her mobile home located on the 1100 block of Broadway Street, as reported by the police.
The sequence of events began earlier that day, as detailed in a probable cause affidavit. Jackson was employed by a subcontractor performing renovations at a local hospital. During his shift, Jackson requested a bathroom break but failed to return. A coworker, upon searching for Jackson, discovered that a handgun stored in a lunchbox inside his truck had been taken. This prompted the coworker to alert the authorities.
Surveillance footage captured Jackson entering the truck and removing an item. Further investigation revealed that Jackson was residing in a halfway house, having been placed on probation following a prior armed robbery conviction. A staff member at the halfway house informed police that Jackson’s phone records placed him at a gas station on the 900 block of Broadway Street, which is in close proximity to the crime scene.
Inquiries with Rivera’s neighbors uncovered that Jackson was seen in the vicinity earlier in the day soliciting a ride. Surveillance images corroborated his presence at the trailer park shortly after 12:40 p.m. Additionally, it was confirmed that Rivera was shot with a 9 mm handgun, matching the type of weapon Jackson allegedly took from his workplace.
Detectives spoke with Rivera’s neighbors who said they saw Jackson earlier in the day asking for a ride. Surveillance images confirmed he was at the trailer park sometime after 12:40 p.m. Investigators also found that Rivera was murdered with a 9 mm handgun â the same type of weapon that Jackson allegedly stole from the worksite.
An arrest warrant was initially obtained for second-degree murder, and cops took Jackson into custody Friday at a home in Pocatello. Cops say Jackson had “no known relationship” with Rivera. Local news website EastIdahoNews.com obtained an amended complaint that contained Jackson’s interview with detectives.
Investigators reportedly wrote that Jackson asked Rivera for a ride and when she declined, he said “fâ it” and went into the trailer and killed her. He also claimed that he recognized Rivera and “believed her brothers had killed his friend,” the affidavit reportedly said. When asked if he killed Rivera as payback, he reportedly answered in the affirmative.
“I put a bullet in her brain,” he allegedly said.
After his interview, prosecutors upgraded the charge to first-degree murder. He’s being charged as an adult.
Jackson is being held at the 3B Detention Facility on a $1 million bond. His next court date is slated for Nov. 6.