by 66-Year-Old Woman Charged with Murder After Son’s Body Found in Hidden Wooden Box
In a shocking turn of events, a 66-year-old woman from Mississippi is facing a murder charge after police discovered the body of her 42-year-old son hidden behind a false wall in her Gulfport home. The accused, Jerri Roby, also known as Jerri Israel, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of her son, John Allen Gaither.
The investigation began on December 22, 2023, when one of Gaither’s out-of-state relatives reported him missing. According to Gulfport Police Department spokesman Jason DuCré, the last known contact with Gaither was on December 10. As authorities delved deeper into the case, they noticed inconsistencies in statements provided by Roby, who became increasingly uncooperative and changed her story multiple times.
Disturbingly, it was revealed that Roby had a previous murder conviction in Florida around 1995. Authorities disclosed that she had made several attempts to dispose of the deceased individual at different locations throughout Florida. Armed with this information, police obtained a search warrant for Roby’s residence.
On January 18, detectives and crime scene technicians executed the search of Roby’s home. However, as they entered the premises, Roby ingested a handful of unidentified pills, necessitating her immediate transport to a hospital for medical treatment. During the search, law enforcement made a chilling discovery – a wooden box containing the lifeless body of John Allen Gaither concealed behind a false wall.
Further investigation revealed that Roby had attempted to conceal her crime by writing notes to family members, posing as her son and assuring them that he was fine. Detectives also uncovered multiple homemade wooden boxes in the house and garage, suggesting a disturbing pattern of behavior.
Roby was arrested after her release from the hospital on Saturday and is currently being held without bond in the Harrison County Detention Center. Due to her prior criminal record, she has been deemed a flight risk. Information regarding her upcoming court appearance and legal representation remains unavailable at this time.
The Gulfport community is left shocked and saddened by this tragic incident, as they grapple with the horrifying details that have emerged. As the investigation continues, authorities will work diligently to uncover the truth and ensure that justice is served for John Allen Gaither.
