safety
Trip to bowling alley made Atlanta mom’s accused killer jealous, detectives say
By Michael Seiden at WSB-TV (ABC) - News
· July 14, 2026
· 2 min read
A metro Atlanta woman spent nearly 30 years waiting to find out who killed her mother.Police have now arrested charged the victim’s former boyfriend with her murder.Elandra Loyal was just five years old when her mother, 29-year-old Bridgett Lockhart, was shot and killed in 1999. [DOWNLOAD: Free W...
Key takeaway Elandra Loyal was just five years old when her mother, 29-year-old Bridgett Lockhart, was shot and killed in 1999.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
The arrest of Jannara Sherrer in connection with the 1999 murder of Bridgett Lockhart brings a measure of closure to a case that has haunted the Atlanta community for nearly three decades. Elandra Loyal's determination to find justice for her mother, even as she built a career as a DeKalb County police officer, is a testament to the enduring impact of violent crime on local families. The fact that an autopsy and sexual assault kit were not fully utilized in the initial investigation raises questions about the handling of evidence in cold cases, and the Atlanta police department's decision to re-examine the case is a welcome step towards accountability. As the case against Sherrer moves forward, it will be important to watch how the department addresses any systemic issues that may have contributed to the delay in justice for the Lockhart family.
About this story
Original reporting by WSB-TV (ABC) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSB-TV (ABC) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: WSB-TV (ABC) - News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A metro Atlanta woman spent nearly 30 years waiting to find out who killed her mother.Police have now arrested charged the victim’s former boyfriend with her murder.Elandra Loyal was just five years old when her mother, 29-year-old Bridgett Lockhart, was shot and killed in 1999. [DOWNLOAD: Free W...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by WSB-TV (ABC) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Michael Seiden at WSB-TV (ABC) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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