(Cedar Rapids, IA) -- A Cedar Rapids man charged in the deaths of his father, mother, and sister has pleaded not guilty in an initial court appearance. Twenty-year-old Alexander Jackson is charged with shooting 61-year-old Jan Jackson, 68-year-old Melissa Jackson, and 19-year-old Sabrina Jackson at their home at 4414 Oak Leaf Court NE Tuesday morning.
KCRG TV reports according to court documents, Alexander Jackson called 911 and reported he and his dad had been shot by a male intruder.
When law enforcement arrived, they said they found the bodies of Jan Jackson, Melissa Jackson, and Sabrina Jackson.
A .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle was found in the home, investigators believe it was the weapon used to shoot the victims.
Court documents state Jackson told investigators he woke up to gunfire and was shot in the foot, during a struggle with a masked man. Jackson also said his father had left the rifle on the fireplace after cleaning it the previous night.
Officials say there were no signs of forced entry in the home. Jackson admits his father told him to find a job or move out of the home.
Bond is $3 million.
A candlelight vigil is planned to honor those killed tonight at Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School.