Arrest made in cold case decades after Atlanta mother killed, police say

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Atlanta police have made an arrest nearly three decades after the slaying of an Atlanta mother.

The cold case stems from a 29-year-old woman who was found deceased on July 31, 1999, in the 200 block of Oakcliff Court NW.

On Monday, 51-year-old Janarra Sherrer turned himself in at the Fulton County Jail in connection with the death. He is charged with murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Last month, Atlanta News First talked to the daughter of the victim, Bridget Lockhart, who was killed at their Atlanta home.

“One night she’s there smiling laughing and being your mom and the next morning she’s gone,” said daughter Elandra Royal, who is a DeKalb County patrol officer.

Royal was only 5 when her mother was killed.

Police said that Sherrer has a long criminal history, including charges such as child abandonment, battery, aggravated sexual battery and criminal trespass.

“I remember him coming home with us, and when I woke up, I had to make the discovery,” said Cordavious Lockhart, Bridget’s son. “Shouldn’t nobody that young have to make a discovery like that.”

In addition to the Atlanta Police Department, the investigation was aided by the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, police said.

Sherrer remains in the Fulton County Jail, according to police.