Nacogdoches man accused of killing girlfriend, her mother

NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KTRE) - On October 28, 2023, Nacogdoches police officers conducted a welfare check at a home on South Stone Street.

Laura Jean, 73 and Laquice Sanford, 48, mother and daughter, were both found dead from gunshot wounds inside of their home.

“When we got the call that J.R had shot her, it just made me sick,” said sister and aunt of the victims, Brenda Griffith.

After NPD’S Patrol and Criminal Investigation Unit investigated the incident, former boyfriend of Sanford, Ronnie Jernigan Jr., of Nacogdoches, is formally accused of taking their lives.

Griffith is still in disbelief.

“I’ve never wished nobody no harm in my life, but for J.R, he can die and go to hell tomorrow,” said Griffith.

Griffith said she and her family knew Jernigan well, they knew him as J.R. The family said they don’t know what happened, but they do believe Sanford no longer wanted to be in a relationship. Sister and aunt of the victims, Annie Gipson said the love they once had for him died with their loved ones.

“I knew he did it. I knew he did it from the first beginning, and I thank God for letting justice be served,” said Gipson.

Jernigan is currently being held in the Nacogdoches County Jail charged with capital murder.

The family of Jean and Sanford said it will be tough to forgive, and they won’t forget.

“Whatever God throw at you, that’s what you deserve,” said cousin and niece of victims, Lameika Caraway.

We have reached out to the Nacogdoches County District Attorney’s Office for comment on the case.