ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Thursday, a Delta County jury reached a verdict in the trial of Tavaris Jackson, the man accused of murdering 22-year-old Harley Corwin.
Corwin was pregnant at the time of her death. Her body was found with two bullet wounds to the skull in the woods of Ford River Township on July 8, 2023.
Jackson was on trial for charges of open murder, felony firearm possession, and assault intentionally causing miscarriage or stillbirth. After seven days of witness testimony and hearing arguments from the prosecution and defense, the jury began deliberating Wednesday afternoon. Almost exactly 24 hours later, the jury came to a unanimous decision.
The jury found Jackson guilty on all counts, including first-degree murder. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 2.
The prosecution’s case included two major components—the testimony of those who knew Corwin and Jackson, as well as data gathered from cell phone service providers, social media apps, and security camera footage. Several people who received messages from Corwin after her disappearance said that her wording and tone were not consistent with her usual manner of writing. Location data from apps like Life360 show both Corwin and Jackson at the murder site on July 3, and surveillance video shows Jackson going into two stores without Corwin afterward. The prosecution also called several police officers, detectives, and forensic analysts.
Corwin’s family and loved ones provided the following statement to WZMQ 19 News:
“We would like to start by saying THANK YOU to the jury in your verdict of guilty. Your verdict has helped bring justice to Harley and her unborn son Jaiden. It will also help us begin to have closure and begin to start healing in a different way as we move forward.
This has been a long and difficult 33 months, and the decision made as a family to be silent, though very hard at times, was very intentional. We wanted to make sure our words, and actions did nothing to harm Harley’s case.
At this time we would like to publicly thank the following people:
Carolyn & Koy for being keenly alert and aware of their patterns with Harley.
Escanaba Public Safety, Delta County Sheriff’s Department, Michigan State Police Gladstone Post, Delta County Search and Rescue, Rampart, MSP Crime Unit, and the numerous people who work alongside these agencies.
To the hundreds in the community and surrounding areas who shared our Facebook posts and updates, those who helped look, offered up information, sent prayers, and checked in on us, and have continued to do so, THANK YOU, from the bottom of our hearts.
To the handful that decided to spread lies, say hurtful, rude, and inappropriate things. We hope you NEVER find yourself in this kind of situation and must read and hear the kind of stuff about your loved ones we did. We all know that Harley was not perfect, none of us are. In those moments what was important is that she was a missing mother, daughter, sister, niece, granddaughter, and friend, not her issues, or mistakes. We were simply asking for help, if you didn’t want to help you could keep scrolling and chat amongst yourself.
Lastly, we would like to offer our sincerest gratitude to the Assistant Attorney Generals, Caitlin LaDonna, Shawn, and Victim’s Advocate Taylor. We will forever be thankful that the Attorney General’s office accepted the case and that you were assigned. For 33 months you have dedicated yourself to this case and worked tirelessly to make sure Harley’s voice was heard and justice was served. You have kept in touch with us and in the loop as much as allowed. Never have we had any doubt in you, or your dedication to Harley getting justice.”
For WZMQ 19’s report on the closing statements made by the prosecution and the defense, click here.
