Jorian Jackson

Two children were present when their mother was killed by her ex-boyfriend, Tyler police said.

Detectives say Cheyenne Russell, 26, of Nacogdoches, was found dead Jan. 6 in a Tyler apartment she’d just moved into a day prior. Her suspected killer and ex-boyfriend, Jorian Jackson, 29, of Plano, is charged with murder in her death and was taken into custody this week.

Russell and Jackson had one child together, and Russell also had one other child. Both children, ages 3 and 4, respectively, were at the apartment when their mother was shot and killed, according to an arrest affidavit detailing the crime.

The 4-year-old told forensic interviewers that “Daddy caused the ‘red’ on Mommy’s dress,” the affidavit states. She also said her parents had been fighting earlier that day.

Russell’s roommate reported the murder to police after arriving home and quickly learning Russell had been killed.

The roommate was not home at the time of the murder but arrived later that afternoon. When she got home, she was talking on the phone and noticed Russell was laying underneath a blanket on the couch. Assuming she was asleep, the roommate went to her own room. But soon Russell’s daughter came to tell the roommate her “mom was dead” and “gone.” The roommate came out to check, removing the blanket from Russell’s face to realize she had been killed. The roommate then called 911.

Police arrived to find Russell shot in three places, including between her eyes. There were five spent shell casings in the apartment, the affidavit states.

Russell and her children had just moved into the Bellwood Lake Road apartment the day before she was killed, police said. Russell’s parents previously said their daughter had been trying to stay away from Jackson for the last year since their breakup because they said he was abusive.

The reason Jackson was at the apartment was to deliver Christmas presents for the kids, according to the affidavit.

The roommate told police she was texting with Russell for much of the day. While he was at the apartment, Jackson was asking Russell about their relationship and why they broke up one year ago, the roommate said. The roommate described the relationship as “rough” and said Russell left Jackson.

Russell’s parents have stated in previous interviews Jackson was allegedly physically abusive toward Russell. Before she was murdered, the young woman was in the process of seeking a protective order against him.

Despite their best efforts to shield Russell’s children from the growing tension, the victim’s mother, Jennifer Russell, told CBS19 she couldn’t help but feel a heavy sense of dread as things began to spiral out of control.

“For the sake of the kids, we never thought he would take it this far,” the mother told CBS19. “He has hurt her several times throughout the last few years and she finally found her voice, and this time was done with him.”

Police have said both children are safe with other family members.

The Russells want to raise awareness about domestic violence, hoping their pain can help others who are suffering in silence.

“Our hearts are broken, but we want people to know anyone who is in a domestic violence situation to seek help and leave,” Jennifer said.

If someone is a victim of domestic violence, they can call the national hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Jackson was arrested Wednesday after being on the run for more than two weeks. He was located at his grandparents home on State Highway 31 in Tyler. The relatives, Willie and Carolyn Johnson, both 75, were arrested and charged with hindering apprehension, a third-degree felony.

A $50,000 bond was set for each of the Johnsons but the couple was not booked into jail due to health reasons, police said. Evidence supporting the charges will be presented to a grand jury for potential indictments to come down.

Jackson had a brief hospital stay before being booked into jail, where he remains, on a $1 million bond.

The Russells spoke to CBS19 on Wednesday evening following Jackson’s arrest. They said they are “ecstatic” that Jackson was found and arrested. Next, they are ready to see justice served.

As they grieve their daughter, the family says they are taking each day one step at a time. Nearly $22,000 was raised through a GoFundMe to support the family. The Russells said investigators advised them not to speak further to media in order to protect the ongoing investigation.

Trial dates have not yet been set for Jackson or the Johnsons.