Decarlo Bennett, 28, is charged with first degree murder, but police have not found the body of 27-year-old Sherri Jackson, who was last seen Nov. 29 at her Adam' Farm apartment complex. She was three months pregnant when she went missing and reportedly had a tumultuous relationship with the suspect for several months.
McAuthor and Clara Jackson, Sherri's parents who live in Burke County, said they are relieved Bennett is in custody, but will not have closure until their daughter's body is found.
"She was loveable and kind," Clara said.
Sherri was the youngest of the Jackson's four children. Clara said she is unaware of anyone who disliked her daughter and recalled the smile that was usually on Sherri's face.
According to the Jacksons, Sherri was three months pregnant but is presumed dead. Based on forensic evidence and witness testimony, authorities were able to focus on Bennett. "We're sort of numb," Clara said. "The heart aches, but we're just trying to get through."
Police are confident Bennett is the person who murdered Sherri. Lt. Jane Allen, Greensboro Police Department, said, "Forensic evidence indicates a murder occurred and has linked him to the murder of the victim."
The Jacksons hoped the arrest of a suspect would provide more answers. "It's a relief, somewhat, but of course it doesn't stop the pain because she's still gone, and I was hoping the arrest would lead to the whereabouts of a body," McAuthor said.
Sherri's parents said they knew something was wrong in late November when Sherri didn't show up for work two days in a row. Due to Sherri's history with Bennett, her family was preparing for the worse.
McAuthor confirmed Bennett had beaten Sherri in the past, causing her to take out a restraining order against him. The order was reportedly filed October 1.
Sherri's father said he even spoke to Bennett about the restraining order. "I've talked with him a couple of occasions since that incident to first of all get assurance from him, but it obviously didn't work."
McAuthor said he feared for his daughter's life after learning Bennett abused her. The most recent incident occurred Oct. 31 when police charged Bennett with assault after responding to a call at Sherri's apartment.
"She tried to break this one off," McAuthor explained. "She wanted to go her way and thought she'd be able to go her own way, but apparently it didn't work that way."
McAuthor, who is a former educator and devout Christian, said he tried to reason with Bennett about the dangers of abusing Sherri. He even offered biblical counseling.
"The last time I saw him we sat down at a table with the books and talked about biblical information, about love and marriage, respect and the dangers of jealousy," McAuthor explained. He said Bennett listened intently during the discussion.
Now, McAuthor wonders what good the restraining order served. He asked, "What can a woman do? They make the arrest, they tell them not to go around and still it doesn't stop the person from coming back around."
Police also realize a restraining order can't stop a person. “Obviously a piece of paper filed in a court is not going to restrain a person intent on doing someone wrong," said Lt. Allen.
The Jacksons said they want justice served and would like their daughter's remains brought home to Burke County.
"I want a body to give it a proper burial," Clara said.
Bennett is in the Guilford County Jail with no bond set.
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