In the autumn of 2013, a grim discovery was made in a home on Moon Street in Jackson, Mississippi, that left the community in shock. Twenty-two-year-old female, Ashley Taylor, was found deceased on October 30, 2013, the victim of a brutal triple homicide. Alongside her were the bodies of 29-year-old Eldra Gibson and 25-year-old Sherrod Brown, who was Taylor's boyfriend. The three victims were discovered by Taylor's sister, who had become concerned and went to the residence, finding the door unlocked. Each of the victims had sustained a single gunshot wound to the head.
The investigation into the shocking crime quickly led authorities to a suspect. Javondus Beasley, who was 31 years old at the time, was arrested shortly after the bodies were found. Evidence implicating Beasley in the murders was discovered at the scene. Investigators also found 9mm bullets in Beasley's home that matched those used in the killings. Surveillance footage from the residence showed Beasley entering the house empty-handed and later leaving with a square object and a noticeable bulge under his coat. In addition to the triple homicide at 175 Moon Street, the body of 51-year-old Mike Wilson was discovered next door at 171 Moon Street; he had been stabbed multiple times. Beasley was also considered a suspect in Wilson's death.
In December 2017, a jury convicted Javondus Beasley of the capital murder of Ashley Taylor and two counts of second-degree murder for the deaths of Eldra Gibson and Sherrod Brown. During the emotional sentencing, family members of the victims had the opportunity to address the court and express the profound pain and loss they had endured. In January 2018, a Hinds County Circuit Court judge sentenced Beasley to life in prison for the capital murder charge, to be followed by two consecutive 40-year sentences for the second-degree murder convictions, ensuring he would never again see the light of day.
