Davy Easterling, a 31-year-old male security guard, was found shot to death and burned in a South Side home in Chicago on February 14, 2014. Easterling worked as a bodyguard for Chicago rapper Twista and was described by Twista as a close friend. He was discovered in an apartment in the 8300 block of South Baker Avenue around 6 a.m. on the day of his death.
The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office ruled his death a homicide due to multiple gunshot wounds.
The investigation into Easterling's death revealed that the fire at the apartment was incendiary, meaning it was intentionally set. Firefighters were called to the scene and found Easterling dead in the bedroom. The Chicago Police Department's Bomb and Arson Unit, along with the Fire Department's Office of Fire Investigations, continued to investigate the case.
Three months after Easterling's death, Matthew Jackson, a 25-year-old man, was charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery in connection with the incident. Prosecutors alleged that Jackson killed Easterling during a robbery after Jackson's girlfriend saw Easterling with "foreign money" at another woman's apartment. Jackson confronted Easterling, demanded the money, and ultimately shot him in the mouth and torso before slashing his throat. Jackson then took the cash and Easterling's clothing before setting Easterling's car on fire.
The case against Jackson highlighted the violent nature of the crime and the tragic loss of Easterling, who was well-regarded by those who knew him. The investigation and subsequent legal proceedings underscored the serious consequences of such violent acts and the efforts of law enforcement to bring justice for the victim and his family.
