He was on a date at the bowling alley. She was there to celebrate a friend’s birthday party.
Joshua Fleetwood and LaKevia Jackson didn’t know each other when they ended up in adjacent bowling lanes at the Metro Fun Center in southwest Atlanta. Investigators believe what started as an argument over a bowling ball led Fleetwood to fire multiple gunshots, killing Jackson in the parking lot.
Fleetwood was arrested Thursday and charged with felony murder, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to police. Fleetwood, 25, is accused of killing Jackson on March 17 outside the Metropolitan Parkway entertainment center.
The U.S. Marshals Service assisted Atlanta officers with arresting Fleetwood, who was taken to police headquarters before being booked into the Fulton County jail.
“This was a relentless investigation in which we worked through the night and into the next day in trying to gather all the facts and circumstances regarding the investigation,” Lt. Ralph Woolfolk, Atlanta police homicide commander, said in a recorded statement late Thursday.
Jackson, 31, had gone to the entertainment center to celebrate her best friend’s birthday, her mother told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution the following day. Fleetwood, according to police, was there on a date.
“As depicted on video, they got in an argument over a bowling ball,” Woolfolk said. “They were on adjacent lanes when they were bowling and that argument escalated. At no point were there any weapons inside the location. At no point did anyone come there with the attention of hurting anyone or firing at anyone.”
But the fight spilled over into the parking lot, according to police. Shortly before 11 p.m., two women agreed to fight each other, Woolfolk said. Then, two people retrieved guns and shots were fired, he said.
“We talk about conflict resolution time and time again, and once again, this is an escalated dispute over a bowling ball,” Woolfolk said.
Credit: Family photo
Credit: Family photo
LaKevia, who shared a son with Atlanta rapper Young Thug, died from multiple gunshot wounds, according to police. Investigators believe Fleetwood, who lives in Stone Mountain, fired the deadly shots.
On Thursday, Sharina Jackson had just returned from the funeral home when she learned of the arrest. Her daughter’s funeral will be Saturday.
“I’m holding up the best I can,” she said. “I’m still in shock and disbelief.”
Fleetwood waived his first court appearance Friday morning. His criminal history includes 16 prior arrests, Woolfolk said. According to the Georgia Department of Corrections, Fleetwood served time in state prison from November 2019 until July 2020 following a conviction in Carroll County for fleeing and theft.
“We are happy Mr. Fleetwood is in our custody,” Woolfolk said.
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