Blackfoot, ID – A 16-year-old boy is accused of stealing a gun and fatally shooting a woman after she declined to give him a ride. Bobby Grant Jackson Jr. faces a first-degree murder charge following the death of 30-year-old Rebecca Rivera on Thursday.
Police found Rivera dead from a gunshot wound at her mobile home shortly after 4 p.m. Family members discovered her body in the 1100 block of Broadway Street.
Jackson reportedly stole a handgun from a co-worker’s truck while working at a hospital renovation site earlier that day. He allegedly asked to use the restroom, but did not return for an extended period, prompting a co-worker to report his absence and the missing firearm to law enforcement.
Surveillance footage showed Jackson entering the truck and taking an item. Authorities learned he was living at a halfway house on probation for a prior armed robbery. An employee at the halfway house stated Jackson’s phone was tracked to a gas station located near the murder scene.
Neighbors reported seeing Jackson earlier in the day asking for a ride. Surveillance images confirmed he was in the trailer park after 12:40 p.m. Rivera was shot with a 9 mm handgun, matching the weapon Jackson is accused of taking from the worksite.
An initial arrest warrant was issued for second-degree murder. Jackson was taken into custody on Friday at a residence in Pocatello. Reports indicate he had no known relationship with Rivera.
Statements from witnesses revealed that Jackson asked Rivera for a ride, and upon her refusal, he returned to her trailer and shot her. He mentioned recognizing the victim and believing her siblings had a role in the death of his friend.
After further questioning, prosecutors upgraded Jackson’s charge to first-degree murder. Jackson is currently in custody at the 3B Detention Facility, held on a $1 million bond, with a court appearance scheduled for November 6.