Orsie Lee Carter, a 79-year-old woman from Los Angeles, was tragically found dead on May 22, 2018, in the 3900 block of South Bronson Avenue in Leimert Park. The discovery was made by a family member who found Carter, her husband William Carter, 83, and her son Phillip Steven White, 65, in the bathroom of White’s home. All three victims had been beaten and shot, and were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Los Angeles County coroner’s records confirmed the cause of death as blunt force trauma and gunshot wounds.
The investigation quickly led to Nancy Jackson, a 55-year-old woman who had been a longtime friend of Phillip White. Jackson had reentered White’s life about six weeks before the killings and had been staying at his home, acting as his caretaker due to his multiple sclerosis. Jackson was initially considered a witness but was later implicated in the murders based on forensic evidence. She was arrested on May 24, 2018, and charged with three counts of murder. Jackson pleaded not guilty to the charges and was held without bail.
The motive behind the killings appeared to be rooted in a personal dispute. Jackson had been staying with White temporarily but refused to leave when asked. This tension may have escalated, leading to the violent confrontation. The Los Angeles Police Department described the scene as particularly brutal, with the victims found piled on top of each other, indicating a violent struggle.
The case garnered significant media attention, highlighting the tragic loss of three lives and the subsequent legal proceedings. Jackson faced the possibility of the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole. The court proceedings were closely followed, with Jackson scheduled to return to court for further hearings. The community mourned the loss of Orsie Lee Carter and her family, remembering them as kind-hearted and devout individuals who were deeply involved in their church and community.
