Police detail 2023 Delta County murder investigation

Testimony describes evidence and timeline changes in case against Tavaris Jackson

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Police officers and detectives testified about the 2023 murder investigation of Harley Corwin in Delta County, Michigan. They described the crime scene, forensic evidence, and changing timeline provided by the accused, Tavaris Jackson, during interviews.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in piecing together a murder investigation, especially when the suspect's account keeps shifting. The testimony provides insight into the investigative process and the importance of physical evidence in building a strong case.

The details

Escanaba Public Safety Lieutenant Jeff Erickson was one of the first responders to the scene where Corwin's body was found in the woods. He described the body's appearance and the decision to call in the Michigan State Police Crime Lab. Forensic scientist Taylor Sharp detailed the extensive investigation her team conducted, though no bullets or firearms were recovered. Michigan State Police Detective Ron Baril interviewed the accused, Tavaris Jackson, and said his story changed multiple times, including when confronted with location data from the victim's phone.

  • In July 2023, 22-year-old Harley Corwin was found dead in the woods of Ford River Township, near Fuller Park.
  • Jackson's trial began on Tuesday and is expected to last three weeks.

The players

Tavaris Lee Jackson

A Delta County man accused of murdering his pregnant girlfriend, Harley Corwin.

Harley Corwin

A 22-year-old woman who was found dead in the woods of Delta County in 2023.

Jeff Erickson

An Escanaba Public Safety Lieutenant who was one of the first responders to the crime scene.

Taylor Sharp

A Michigan State Police forensic scientist who led the investigation at the crime scene.

Ron Baril

A Michigan State Police Detective who interviewed the accused, Tavaris Jackson, and said his story changed multiple times.

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What they’re saying

“The body appeared to have undergarments on. The grass was kind of swept over the top of the body. Then at that time, I made the decision that the [Michigan State Police] Crime Lab needed to be notified.”

— Jeff Erickson, Escanaba Public Safety Lieutenant (wzmq19.com)

“More details were added. The second or third rendition, it was kind of the same story, but when they got to Escanaba, he advised that they stopped at her house first. At one point, I brought up the [Life]360 map and brought that to his attention. Once he was aware of the map... then he remembered being in and around Fuller Park.”

— Ron Baril, Michigan State Police Detective (wzmq19.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Tavaris Jackson out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in piecing together a murder investigation, especially when the suspect's account keeps shifting. The testimony provides insight into the investigative process and the importance of physical evidence in building a strong case against the accused.