A relative found a Texas grandmother unresponsive on her patio and called 911 for help. When emergency responders arrived at the 68-year-old woman’s home on March 20, 2026, they made a grisly discovery. The woman didn’t die of natural causes. Instead, paramedics found a gunshot wound. The Arlington Police Department began investigating the woman’s death and quickly identified her suspected killer.
They arrested the woman’s grandson, 21-year-old Rontrell Jackson, who apparently killed her following an argument about his allowance.
Jackson reportedly confessed to police.
Per a release from the Arlington Police Department, officers arrived at the home around 4:40 p.m. When speaking with Jackson, he allegedly told them he and his grandmother had a “heated argument” that led to his grandmother withholding his allowance. This apparently enraged Jackson. Police said he confessed to shooting his grandmother, who was later identified as Rita Marie Jackson, inside the apartment and then dragging her body onto the patio later in the day.
Neighbors recalled noticing something strange that day.
Jerry and Keiarra Dennis live below the family’s apartment. Keiarra Dennis told WFAA they didn’t hear an argument or a gunshot but did notice an increase in flies on the patio. She went out that day to buy a net because it had become so bad.
The news of the woman’s death made her sad. “All I can do in this moment and want to do in this moment is just pray for their family,” she told the outlet.
The couple added that learning the alleged motive made the situation even worse. “For someone to have lost their life over an allowance, over a disagreement, that’s the part where it’s hard to process,” Keiarra Dennis told WFAA.
Her husband added his own shock. “For this to be this close to you, it’s very hard to process, even in words,” Jerry Dennis shared.
The situation saddened those who knew the victim.
Tamara Jackson posted about the woman’s death on Facebook on March 21. “My mind is not in the right state of mind I lost my best friend and my heart n soul in the same day.. Please keep my family in prayers,” she wrote.
“I saw the article and immediately felt a deep sense of disbelief. I’m praying for you and your family in these desperate times,” a friend commented on Jackson’s post. “If you need anything please let me know. Im so sorry for the losses your family has experienced. I’m absolutely floored by this news.”
Others shared sympathy and prayers for the entire Jackson family. “My heart’s breaking for for you mama.. I love you, I’m so sorry y’all are going through this,” another person wrote.
Police took Jackson to Arlington City Jail, according to WFAA, but later transferred him to Tarrant County Jail. He’s been charged with one count of murder, and a judge set his bail at $750,000.
There’s likely more to this story than we understand at this point. But no matter what led up to the shooting, an innocent life was taken. This poor family needs help and healing to get through this devastating time.
