Woman Convicted Of First-Degree Murder In 2016 Food Lion Shooting

WOODBRIDGE, VA — A woman accused of shooting and killing a man outside of a Food Lion in 2016 was convicted of first-degree murder last week.

The shooting killed 24-year-old Cordrey Jackson, who was beaten and suffered a single gunshot wound to the chest, according to the police department.

At the time, police identified Roberta Brandon as a suspect in the shooting. She was eventually arrested. After several delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, her trial ended last week.

A jury convicted Brandon of first-degree murder and use of a firearm in commission of a felony, according to the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney. Her sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 9, 2022.

Brandon could face up to life in prison, based on Virginia's sentencing guidelines.

Authorities said the shooting occurred on Nov. 29, 2016 after a dispute over custody and visitation. Police said a fight broke out between Jackson, Brandon, and another man. A jury determined that Brandon shot Jackson, who later died at an area hospital.

"There is no place in our community for gun violence," said Amy Ashworth, the commonwealth's attorney for Prince William County. "My office is committed to doing all in our power to make Prince William County safer by aggressively prosecuting violent criminals.”

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