Michigan – A Delta County jury has found an Escanaba man guilty in the killing of a young pregnant woman, bringing a significant development in a case that has weighed heavily on the local community since the summer of 2023.
Tavaris Jackson, 35, of Escanaba, was convicted last week for the murder of 22-year-old Harley Corwin. The verdict followed a trial in Delta County that examined the circumstances surrounding Corwin’s death, which occurred on July 3, 2023. At the time she was killed, Corwin was pregnant.
Jurors determined Jackson was responsible for three criminal charges stemming from the incident.
He was found guilty of first-degree murder, a charge that carries the possibility of life in prison. The jury also convicted him of assaulting a pregnant individual in a way that intentionally caused a miscarriage or stillbirth, another offense that can result in a life sentence. In addition, Jackson was found guilty of felony firearm, a charge that carries a mandatory two-year sentence.
The investigation into Corwin’s death began after her disappearance in early July 2023. Five days after the killing, on July 8, authorities discovered her remains in a field located in Ford River Township. The discovery marked a grim turning point in the case and launched an intensive effort by investigators to identify and prosecute the person responsible.
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Initially, the Delta County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed charges related to the case. Several weeks later, in August 2023, the Michigan Department of Attorney General was formally appointed to take over prosecution of the matter. The case then proceeded through the court system, ultimately culminating in last week’s jury verdict.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel acknowledged the emotional weight of the case following the conviction. She noted that although no legal outcome can restore what was lost, the verdict represents an important step toward accountability.
“While no outcome can undo this devastating loss, I am grateful to the prosecutors who helped secure long-awaited justice in this tragic case,” said Attorney General Nessel.
“I hope this verdict provides a sense of closure for Harley’s family.”
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Jackson is scheduled to be sentenced on June 2 at 1:30 p.m. in the 47th Circuit Court in Delta County. At that hearing, the court will determine the penalties associated with the convictions, including the potential life sentences tied to the most serious charges.