Suvechha Sarkar
On the morning of October 3, 2018, residents of Cahokia, Illinois, started their day as usual. What left them shaken to their core was learning that the local barber, Jermaine L. Ross, had passed away under mysterious circumstances. Although officials initially believed it to be a natural death, it was soon revealed that it was a homicide. In the episode titled ‘Laced With White Powder’ of Investigation Discovery’s ‘The Real Murders on Elm Street’, the horrifying case is brought into focus, unraveling a web of deceit involving people he knew pretty well. It also features interviews with his sister and nephew, as well as law enforcement officials who helped serve justice.
Jermaine Ross’ Remains Were Found a Few Days After His Death
Jermaine L. Ross arrived as a ray of sunshine in the lives of his parents sometime in 1971. While growing up, he never felt the lack of love and affection in his household. He shared a close bond with all of his siblings, especially his elder sister, Willa. According to her, Jermaine was a very social person who loved helping people. From an early age, he discovered his passion for becoming a barber. Ultimately, he stepped into his career as a barber. Jermaine moved to his own home at 208 Elm Street in Cahokia, Illinois, and set up his own barber shop nearby. However, a predicament soon befell him as his shop unfortunately burned down.
So, Jermaine began cutting hair for his clients right at his home. Everything seemed to be falling into place until October 3, 2018. One of his friends had gone to his house because Jermaine had some clients. However, they discovered that his front door was slightly ajar, and a foul stench was coming from inside. According to reports, there were also flies covering the window. So, they called 911 immediately. As officials arrived and entered the residence, they found Jermaine dead on the couch. They noticed that he wasn’t wearing any clothing, and the house had no signs of struggle. As forensic experts examined the decomposition of his remains, they reportedly deduced that Jermaine had passed away somewhere between September 29 and September 30.
Investigators reportedly discovered a can of abrasive cleaner with its contents spilled across the coffee table. Further inspection revealed that its moistened white powder was wiped on the deadbolt and doorknob of the front door. Official records state that although local authorities initially believed it to be a natural death, the state police suspected foul play. It was reportedly confirmed when the autopsy uncovered that Jermaine was shot in the abdomen, and the bullet had pierced his heart. His cause of death was determined to be from the gunshot wound. Moreover, during a later search of Jermaine’s house, detectives discovered a bullet hole in the wooden frame at the back of the couch.
The Case Turned Complicated With Neighbors’ Accounts and Conflicting Stories
After the discovery, several neighbors contacted the authorities with information. According to police records, one of them informed that she had heard two gunshots on October 1, 2018, around 12:30 am from Jermaine’s home, but when she checked, the lights of his house were turned off. Another of his neighbors reportedly told the police that Jermaine had been telling everyone that he had received insurance money after his shop burned down. According to the neighbor’s statements, Jermaine had a gun of his own and recently kept a thick envelope full of cash with him. However, during the search, no firearm or an envelope containing money was discovered.
According to reports, a woman named Melinda Graves came to the station on October 3 and claimed that a man with a black four-door car was threatening her. In her statements, she claimed that on the night of September 30, she and her friend, Jasmine Madison, had gone partying to Jermaine’s house, and when they left, he was allegedly alive. When officials attempted to locate Jasmine, they were unable to find her. On October 4, Melinda reportedly changed her statement and claimed that on that night, Jermaine had allegedly shown her and Jasmine the envelope containing cash.
In her statements, Melinda alleged that she had gone to the restroom, and when she returned, she found Jermaine and Jasmine being intimate. Police records indicate that Melinda went inside the house and attempted to locate the money, but when she was unsuccessful, she rejoined them. She told the investigators that Jermaine had then allegedly called someone to buy cocaine, after which a man entered the home and shot him. Melinda claimed that she and Jasmine fled from the scene, and during that time, she had allegedly noticed a dent in the killer’s black car. When detectives tracked down the vehicle in the same neighborhood, it led to a dead end, as the owner had a solid alibi.
Two Simultaneous Confessions Shed Light on the Night of the Murder
On October 4, Jasmine finally arrived at the station and claimed that she hadn’t contacted the authorities because she had outstanding warrants and was allegedly scared. During the interrogation, she reportedly confessed that on that fateful night, she and Melinda went to Jermaine’s house. Jasmine also admitted that she was in a casual relationship with him. She confessed that while she and Jermaine were being intimate, Melinda emerged from another room, asked him for money, and then shot him.
According to the investigation reports, Jasmine informed officials that Melinda then poured the cleaning powder on Jermaine with her help before they fled the scene. When Melinda’s younger brother was questioned, he claimed to have heard Jasmine and his sister discussing how to rob Jermaine. Ultimately, when Melinda was again interrogated, she confessed to shooting Jermaine twice, claiming that she “panicked.” Melinda was arrested on October 5, 2018, and charged with first-degree murder. Although Jasmine was initially released, she was later arrested on November 27 and charged with obstruction of justice and tampering with evidence.
While Melinda is Incarcerated at an Illinois Prison Facility Today, No Records Specify Jasmine’s Location
Following her arrest, Melinda was held on a $500,000 bond. Eventually, she pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to 25 years in prison on November 26, 2018. Her projected parole date is October 2, 2043, while her projected discharge date is set on October 3, 2046. As of writing, Melinda is serving her sentence at Logan Correctional Center in Lincoln, Illinois. On the other hand, Jasmine was held on a $20,000 bond after she was taken into custody. According to the show, Jasmine had pleaded guilty to all her charges. However, it is essential to note that there are no available public records for her sentencing. Currently, we are unable to determine her current location since we do not have access to her prison records.
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