Blackfoot, ID – A 16-year-old Idaho boy has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly stealing a gun from his workplace and shooting a woman to death because she refused to give him a ride. The teen, identified as Bobby Grant Jackson Jr., is accused of killing 30-year-old Rebecca Rivera in Blackfoot, about 250 miles east of Boise.
The Incident: A Refusal Turns Deadly
According to a probable cause affidavit, the shooting took place on Thursday afternoon, when Jackson allegedly went to Rivera’s mobile home in the 1100 block of Broadway Street. Family members later found Rivera dead around 4 p.m., suffering from a gunshot wound to the head.
Police said Jackson, who had been working earlier that day for a subcontractor renovating a hospital, stole a 9 mm handgun from a coworker’s lunch box before fleeing the site. Surveillance footage captured Jackson entering the coworker’s truck, retrieving the weapon, and leaving the premises shortly before Rivera’s murder.
After the arrest, Jackson allegedly told detectives,
“I put a bullet in her brain,”
referring to Rivera’s killing.
Authorities stated that Rivera did not know Jackson, and the two had no prior relationship.
Investigation and Evidence
Police were alerted when a coworker noticed the missing firearm and reported Jackson’s disappearance. Officers traced the teen through surveillance footage and cell phone data, which showed him traveling toward Broadway Street, just blocks from the murder scene.
Detectives later learned that Jackson had been living in a halfway house while on probation for a previous armed robbery charge. Staff at the facility confirmed that Jackson’s phone placed him near a gas station close to Rivera’s home at the time of the killing.
Witnesses told investigators they saw Jackson asking for a ride in the neighborhood earlier in the day. When Rivera reportedly refused, police say Jackson entered her trailer and shot her using the stolen 9 mm handgun.
Court Proceedings and Upgraded Charges
Jackson was arrested Friday at a home in Pocatello after an initial second-degree murder warrant was issued. Following his confession and further review of the evidence, prosecutors upgraded the charge to first-degree murder.
Court documents obtained by East Idaho News revealed that Jackson admitted to killing Rivera because he believed her brothers were involved in the death of his friend. When asked by detectives if he shot Rivera as revenge, Jackson reportedly said yes.
“He said he asked her for a ride, she declined, and he responded, ‘f— it,’ before shooting her,” investigators wrote in the affidavit.
Prosecutors confirmed that Jackson is being charged as an adult due to the severity and premeditated nature of the crime.
Statements and Reactions
Authorities have described the killing as senseless and calculated, emphasizing that Rivera’s refusal to offer a ride led to an unprovoked act of violence.
Blackfoot Police Chief Scott Gay called the case “deeply disturbing,” adding that it highlights the dangers of illegal firearm access and youth violence.
Officials have not released details about Jackson’s mental health evaluation but confirmed that he is currently being held at the 3B Juvenile Detention Facility on a $1 million bond. His next court hearing is scheduled for November 6.
Background and Legal Context
Under Idaho law, first-degree murder involves deliberate and premeditated intent, which prosecutors say is supported by Jackson’s own statements and actions. Despite his age, the law allows minors aged 16 and older to be tried as adults for capital offenses.
The firearm used in the shooting was confirmed to be the same weapon stolen from Jackson’s workplace earlier that day. Investigators have since recovered the gun as part of the ongoing case.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
As the investigation continues, prosecutors are reviewing additional evidence, including surveillance footage, witness accounts, and ballistics testing. The court will also determine whether Jackson’s previous armed robbery conviction will factor into his sentencing if found guilty.
Public reaction in Blackfoot has been one of shock and outrage, with residents calling for stricter gun security at job sites and tougher supervision for juvenile offenders on probation.
Conclusion
The murder of Rebecca Rivera has left a small Idaho community reeling and reignited debate over youth violence and accountability. As Jackson awaits trial on first-degree murder charges, authorities say they remain committed to seeking justice for the victim and her family.
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