Sheriff: Man walks into Alabama jail, confesses to murder, then tries to escape

PHENIX CITY, Ala. (WRBL) – A man walked into the Russell County Jail Thursday afternoon and told deputies he wanted to confess to a murder.

Anthony Jackson, 33, is now in that jail facing capital murder charges in the 2019 drive-by-shooting death of 27-year-old Beionca Bolden, authorities told News 3.

Bolden was killed in June 2019 on 20th Avenue near 16th Place. The arrest was made by the Phenix City Police.

When Jackson walked into the jail, deputies discovered he had a firearm. He told deputies he wanted to confess to a murder.

“I have never seen this happen in 35 years of law enforcement,” Sheriff Heath Taylor said.

Jackson was taken to the agency’s investigative building. Phenix City Police were called when investigators realized it a case that department had been working.

In addition to the capital murder charges, Jackson is facing gun charges for promoting prison contraband and possession by a convicted felon.

At some point, Jackson tried to escape, Taylor said. That led to an escape charge.

Bolden was shot inside a Phenix City home as she held her baby on June 10, 2019, family members told News 3.

Chief Assistant District Attorney Rick Chancey says his office is still investigating. And is not sure if he will seek the death penalty against Jackson. It is a capital charge now because police believe Bolden was killed by a bullet shot from a vehicle.

“It is still an active investigation,” Chancey said. “We are trying to confirm the facts of what he confessed to. We want to make sure that what he said he did, he did. But so far what he’s telling us is adding up.”