Atlanta, Ga. — A man previously identified as a person of interest in the death of former Headland basketball coach Sammy Jackson has now been formally charged with murder. Authorities in Atlanta have confirmed that 30-year-old Iquane Brown is facing a range of serious charges, including murder, aggravated assault, armed robbery, hijacking of a motor vehicle, kidnapping, use of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The charges stem from the death of Jackson, whose body was discovered by investigators on January 27. Jackson had been reported missing earlier that same day, and his disappearance triggered a series of inquiries by local law enforcement. According to Atlanta Police, Brown was the last person to order a rideshare from Jackson in Houston County, Georgia, before Jackson went missing.
Brown was arrested in Houston County and is currently being held in the county jail on an unrelated robbery charge. Authorities later determined that Jackson’s vehicle, a BMW he used as a part-time Uber driver, had been abandoned in Bonaire, Georgia, on January 29. Deputies found the car unlocked, with personal items scattered across the seats and floor.
Jackson’s wife, Jill, spoke to local news outlets, providing further details about the unsettling circumstances surrounding her husband’s disappearance. She revealed that she had last spoken with Jackson on Sunday afternoon but received a text message from his phone around 2 a.m. Monday morning. The message asked for his social security number, an inquiry that struck her as unusual and troubling.
Jackson, who was known for his impressive basketball career, was a well-regarded figure in the sports community. He had been an all-state basketball player in high school, graduating from Headland High School in 1982. Jackson also had a distinguished coaching career, including stints at several universities, such as Savannah State University, the University of Alabama, Alabama A&M, and Fort Valley State University. Most recently, he had served as a coach at Headland High School during the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
As the investigation into Jackson’s death continues, authorities are working to piece together the details surrounding the events that led to the tragic outcome. The case has drawn widespread attention, especially in the local community, where Jackson was remembered not only for his coaching but also for his dedication to the game of basketball and his influence on young athletes.
