Arrest made in Gretna homicide; family remembers victim

By Leo Torres

Gadsden County News Service

An arrest has been made in the May 9 shooting death of Barry “B.J.” Corker, Jr., whose body was found near Dewey Johnson Way and Williams Street in Gretna. Tamarick Jackson, 18, of Sneads, turned himself in to the Gadsden County Jail on June 12, according to a joint release from the Gretna Police Department, Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. He is charged with first-degree premeditated homicide and grand theft of a motor vehicle. Corker’s death prompted a multi-agency investigation after a passerby discovered his body around 7:30 a.m. Investigators later determined that his white Chevrolet Camaro had been stolen and recovered it that same night in Sycamore, following a tip from a resident. Authorities identified Jackson as a suspect soon after and issued a warrant for his arrest. According to the arrest report, signs of a struggle were found outside a residence on Dewey Johnson Way, including overturned furniture, bullet casings, and a blood trail from the carport to where Corker’s body lay. Bloodstains were also found on his clothing. Despite the violent circumstances of his death, Corker’s family remembers him as a young man who had turned his life around and was building a future. “They took away somebody who had a future, who was working, who was making good choices,” said his father, Barry Corker, Sr. “He might not have been perfect, but his life was headed in a positive direction.” Corker, Sr. recalled his son’s childhood spent on Gadsden County sports fields. When B.J. joined a youth football team at age 4, Corker, Sr. volunteered to coach and continued doing so through his son’s basketball years. He eventually became an assistant coach at West Gadsden High School, where B.J. helped lead the team to its first state championship in 43 years in 2016. “I told him we were going to win it before we even won it. I knew it in my heart,” Corker, Sr. said. “That was a bright point in my life.” B.J. worked closely with his father and uncle at J&A Seafood Plus, managing day-to-day operations. After serving time in prison, Corker, Sr. said his son returned home determined to change. “It was a life-changing moment for him,” Corker, Sr. said. “He wasn’t any different than the average kid. We don’t live in a perfect world.” B.J. was preparing for a second job interview and planning to move in with his girlfriend. “That’s what hurts the most—he was making all the positive moves,” his father said. “He had it planned and mapped out. He wasn’t going to turn back.” Corker, Sr. emphasized the importance of community support and mentorship in shaping young lives. “It takes a village,” he said. “You have to talk and counsel kids. Tell them you love them. I’ve been working with kids over 20 years—I haven’t met the perfect one yet.” Jamaria Gilyard, Corker’s cousin, described him as generous and kind. “Even if he didn’t know you, he’d help you,” Gilyard said. “He just had a good heart.” Although Jackson is in custody, Gretna Police Chief Brian Alexander said the case remains active. Authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to come forward.

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Arrest made in Gretna homicide; family remembers victim

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A ‘wonderful plant’ can help relieve menopause symptoms

Community garden talk, seed swap set for June 24 in Chattahoochee

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