BATON ROUGE, LA - A custody dispute turned deadly outside a Baton Rouge apartment complex when a father was shot and killed in what investigators say was a targeted ambush tied to child support and visitation proceedings. Authorities allege the children's mother orchestrated the killing, pressuring her boyfriend to carry it out as a court hearing approached.
Hope Jackson has been arrested and charged with one count of principal to second-degree murder in the death of Anthony Wesley Jr., who was found shot to death on a sidewalk at the Jefferson Lakes Apartments in the early morning hours of March 22. Her boyfriend, 32-year-old Riddick Franklin, had already been taken into custody and charged with second-degree murder along with multiple weapons and obstruction offenses, according to Baton Rouge ABC affiliate WBRZ.
Investigators say deputies responded to a call at the apartment complex in the 12000 block of Jefferson Highway, where first responders discovered Wesley's body. Surveillance footage later revealed the gunman approached from behind and opened fire moments after Wesley arrived home, then fired additional rounds while standing over him.
Suspect tracked through vehicle and surveillance
Detectives identified a white Dodge Ram seen leaving the area shortly after the shooting and traced it to Franklin using license plate data. He was detained during a traffic stop, and search warrants executed on his truck and residence led to the recovery of a handgun, clothing matching surveillance images, and his cellphone.
During questioning, Franklin admitted to the killing, telling investigators he initially went to Wesley's home to "squash the beef" and "cease fire," but said he was also "tired of being disrespected," according to reporting citing the probable cause affidavit. Investigators say Franklin admitted he pulled out a gun during the encounter and shot Wesley multiple times before returning home, where he disassembled the weapon and washed his clothes.
Evidence points to custody dispute motive
As the investigation progressed, detectives uncovered evidence linking the killing to an ongoing custody and child support dispute involving Jackson. Court records show Wesley had recently filed a petition seeking custody, visitation, and support, with a hearing scheduled in the coming weeks.
According to the arrest warrant, Franklin told investigators Jackson was upset about the case and feared losing custody. He said she told him she wanted Wesley "OV," which investigators said meant to "finish off or eliminate/kill someone."
Messages recovered from Franklin's phone allegedly show Jackson urging him to act. In one exchange cited by investigators, she wrote, "I want him OV," and warned she would "lose everything" if Wesley was not dealt with. Franklin also told detectives Jackson reassured him before the shooting, saying, "I ain't gone tell on you, you ain't gone tell on me so we straight."
Phone records reviewed by investigators show the pair were in repeated contact in the hours before and after the shooting, including multiple calls and text messages. Detectives believe Franklin waited in the apartment complex parking lot for hours until Wesley arrived home, then carried out the attack.
Both Jackson and Franklin are being held without bond and are scheduled to appear in court in April.