ADAMS COUNTY – A man has been arrested in connection with the death of a retired educator whose body was found Saturday following a welfare check on Melanie Road in Adams County.
Source: Adams Co. SODeputies with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office were called around 12:30 p.m. April 4 after a family member reported being unable to reach a loved one, according to authorities. Deputies responded to a home on Melanie Road for a welfare check, and the case later escalated into a missing person investigation.
The woman was later found dead, and the investigation was upgraded to a homicide case, officials said.
Authorities identified the victim as Lana Brown Bradley, a retired educator and a longtime member of the Adams County community.
In an earlier update, the sheriff’s office described Bradley as a respected figure whose death has had a profound impact across the community. Officials said details about her condition are being withheld out of respect for her family and to protect the integrity of the investigation.
Investigators have charged Zachary Lavel Jackson Jr., 29, in connection with the case. He is being held at the Adams County Jail.
Zachary Lavel Jackson Jr., 29 Source: Adams Co. SOJackson is charged with first- and second-degree murder, mayhem and tampering with physical evidence, according to authorities.
Officials said the suspect is related to the victim’s family.
The Adams County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation with assistance from the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.
Sheriff Travis Patten previously described the case as one of the most difficult of his career.
“In my entire career, this is one of the most difficult and heartbreaking cases I have encountered,” Patten said in a statement. “Our hearts are with the family of Ms. Bradley, and we are committed to pursuing justice on their behalf.”
The investigation remains active, and additional information is expected to be released as it becomes available.
