Blackfoot, ID — A 16-year-old Idaho runaway is now in custody and held on a $1 million bond after authorities say he shot and killed a woman inside her trailer-park home in Blackfoot, Idaho.
According to the Blackfoot Police Department, officers responded to a residence in the 1100 block of South Broadway on October 23 after receiving a report of a shooting. When officers arrived, they discovered 30-year-old Rebecca Rivera with a gunshot wound to the head. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators quickly identified the suspect as 16-year-old Bobby G. Jackson, who had fled the home immediately after the shooting.
Police: Suspect Shot Victim after She Refused to Give Him a Ride
Court documents reviewed by multiple media outlets revealed disturbing details: the teen arrived at Rivera’s home shortly after 12:40 p.m., allegedly asked her for a ride, and opened fire when she refused.
In a probable cause affidavit, Jackson allegedly confessed to police, stating, “I put a bullet in her brain,” after firing the deadly shot before running from the scene.
Investigators said Jackson had stolen a firearm before the homicide and had recently been reported as a runaway.
Overnight Manhunt Ends with Teen’s Capture
A massive manhunt unfolded across the region. Police warned that Jackson was “extremely dangerous” and urged residents to lock their doors, remain alert, and report anything suspicious.
He was last seen near Highway 91 and Riverton Road, wearing blue Levi’s, a light plaid jacket, cowboy boots, and a dark T-shirt.
At 2:30 a.m. on October 24, officers located Jackson in Pocatello, where he was arrested without further incident. Police confirmed there was no continued threat to the public once he was in custody.
Teen Charged as an Adult with First-Degree Murder
Later the same day, Jackson was formally charged as an adult with:
- First-degree murder
- Additional weapons-related offenses
A judge ordered he be held on a $1,000,000 bond at the 3B Detention Facility while the investigation continues.
Detectives say early evidence indicates this was not a random attack — the teen targeted the victim and acted violently when denied a request.
Community Grieves Shocking Loss
The Blackfoot community is mourning the death of Rebecca Rivera, a 30-year-old whose life was cut short inside her own home.
In a statement, the Blackfoot Police Department expressed condolences:
“Our hearts go out to the Rivera family, our community, and all those affected by this tragic crime.”
Officials have not released further details about Rivera’s family or whether she knew the suspect beyond this encounter. Police say more information will be released when available as they continue to investigate what led to such a violent act by a juvenile already struggling with legal troubles.
Should 16-year-olds accused of violent crimes like first-degree murder be automatically charged as adults? Share your thoughts in the comments below — your voice matters.
