JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A woman and her boyfriend were arrested in Jacksonville Thursday night on charges they kidnapped and killed the woman's wealthy brother-in-law near Tampa Tuesday night.
Police said Jeffrey Dampier Jr., a $20 million lottery winner, was visiting his sister-in-law in Brandon, when Victoria Jackson, 23, and Nathaniel Jackson, 24, pulled a handgun and forced him and a woman into Dampier's van.
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Hillsborough County deputies said Victoria Jackson drove while Nathaniel Jackson threatened the victims with the gun, then struck Dampier several times in the head while demanding money.
"Nathaniel took over driving, and that's when Victoria shot the victim," said Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Debbie Carter.
Investigators said the suspects abandoned the van at the end of a dead-end street and fled. Witnesses said Dampier's hands were tied behind his back and he was shot in the head.
Police found the other woman kidnapped near the van, unharmed.
Just before 10:30 p.m. Thursday, Jacksonville police got a tip that the two Jacksons were at a home on Morehouse Road in northwest Jacksonville. They were arrested without incident, but both initially gave officers false names.
Nathanial's cousin, who witnessed police with guns drawn arresting the Jacksons, said his cousin had recently been hanging out with the wrong crowd.
"He was definitely remorseful. He was definitely, just shook up," said the man, who only give his name as "Red." "He didn't know what to do. He was real scared."
Evidence obtained from the Jacksons, including a bag of marijuana, were turned over to Tampa homicide detectives. Police said Nathaniel Jackson also had $1,516 cash in his front pocket.
They are each charged with one count of first-degree murder, two counts of armed kidnapping, one count of aggravated assault and one count of armed carjacking.
The pair waived their first appearance before a Duval County judge Friday afternoon and it was unclear when they would be turned over to Hillsborough County authorities, who will prosecute the murders.
"Red" told Channel 4's Jennifer Bauer he didn't think his cousin was capable of murder.
"I think he was there, but I'm pretty sure he didn't pull the trigger," Red told Channel 4's Jennifer Bauer.