Justice Is Still Sought For Texas Brothers Murdered By Mystery Intruder

It has been nearly 25 years since the shooting deaths of Derrick 'Lump' Jackson (12) and James 'Lil James' Edwards (14) inside their Vernon, Texas apartment.

According to Texas DPS, it was September 20th, 1990 in the early morning hours when an unknown intruder broke into their apartment, shooting and killing both boys.

Their mother, Linda Jackson, who fought off the attacker, was also shot several times, including in the head. She managed to somehow survive.

Their older brother Layman Jackson, 23, escaped through a window.

According to the Austin American-Statesman, the suspect is described as a black male, "between 5-feet-8 and 5-feet-10 with a heavy build." He may have ties to Austin, Texas.

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In 2010, the boy's brother and sister spoke with Texomas News about the crime, and how they are still searching for justice.

“When you don’t have any regard for a child, who is it, who else would you take?  Are they killing other people?  They’ve gotten away with murder, and I want justice,” said Patricia, their sister.

Lester, their brother vowed:  “I know they’re at peace because they’re in the good Lord’s hands.  But, I want justice for them, and I won’t stop until I get it.  I won’t stop until I get it.  Trust me, I’ll do that.  If it takes me a lifetime.”

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The murders of Derrick and James remain one of the Top 12 Texas Rangers Cold Cases. There is a $3,000 reward to any person who provides information that leads to the arrest of the person/persons responsible for this crime.

From the Texas DPS Website:

To be eligible for the cash rewards, tipsters MUST call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477). All tips are anonymous. Tipsters will be provided a tip number instead of using a name.

Information on this case may also be submitted in the following manner:

• Submit a Tip Online through the Texas Rangers’ Cold Case website.
• Contact us by telephone at 1-800-346-3243. Your information will be forwarded to the Texas Ranger assigned to this case.