Jury Selection Begins for Delta County Murder Trial

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The 47th Circuit Court in Delta County, Michigan is beginning the jury selection process for a murder trial that is expected to last around three weeks. Tavaris Lee Jackson, who was 32 at the time, was arrested and charged with open murder, felony possession of a firearm, and assault intentionally causing the death of a fetus in the 2023 killing of 22-year-old Harley Corwin, who was pregnant at the time of her death.

Why it matters

This high-profile case has been pushed back several times since 2023 and will likely draw significant local and regional media attention. The prosecution's use of Corwin's prior statements about domestic violence incidents with the defendant is also notable, as it highlights the challenges of trying cases involving victims who are no longer alive to testify.

The details

Corwin's body was found in the woods of Ford River Township in July 2023 with two bullet wounds to the head. The Michigan Attorney General's Office took over prosecution of the case that fall. Because Corwin is deceased, the jury will hear statements she previously made to police about incidents of domestic violence involving the defendant. The prosecution is also permitted to call an expert witness who may provide context about Corwin's actions as a victim of domestic violence.

• The body of 22-year-old Harley Corwin was found in July 2023.
• Tavaris Lee Jackson, who was 32 at the time, was arrested shortly after.
• The Michigan Attorney General's Office took over prosecution of the case in the fall of 2023.
• Jury selection for the trial began on Monday, March 2, 2026.
• The trial is expected to last roughly three weeks.

What’s next

The trial will begin once a full jury has been selected.