Larry Wayne Jackson. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.


Cabdriver's Slaying Investigated; No Motive, Suspect Yet

Lisa Beckloff
Dec. 24, 1992
The Oklahoman

As police investigated the slaying of an Oklahoma City cabdriver Wednesday, an official with the Yellow Cab Co. the victim's colleagues wondered and worried about why it happened.

Larry Wayne Jackson, 35, of Yukon, a cabdriver for the Yellow Cab Company, was found dead in a field near SE 15 and High.

His cab was found nearly a mile away in a field near Reno and Eastern avenues along the North Canadian River about 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Police believe Jackson was murdered, Capt. Mike Roach said, but they know of no motive and have no suspects.

Roger Andrews, general manager of Yellow Cab, said, "We are very concerned. We don't know if it was even cab-related. We don't know how he was killed; or why he was killed. " He said cabdrivers generally take all the precautions they can when picking up people. They are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings and with whom they are dealing.

The cab company last had contact with Jackson about 12:45 a.m. Tuesday, Andrews said.

Jackson had been working as an independent contractor for the company about 31/2 years. Andrews said they did not know he was missing until a man working in the area near the river used the cab's radio to contact the company and report finding the vehicle.

The man later told them there was blood on the outside of the cab, so the company contacted the police, Andrews said.

"A lot of the drivers own their cabs and take them home. We had no idea the cab was even missing," Andrews said.

Independent cabdrivers are allowed to work whatever hours they want, he said. They radio in when they are ready to take on another fare, but do not have to check out when they go home.

Jackson's last report to the cab company placed him within two miles of where he was found dead, Andrews said. The people living at the last address he was called to said they had not called for a cab.

"A lot of people call a cab from a pay phone, then walk to the address and stand on the front porch so it looks like they live there," Andrews said.

He said cabdrivers rarely carry more than $50 in cash.

Jackson was always in a good mood, Andrews said. He was neat and courteous and well-liked by other drivers and the office staff.

Many of the drivers were subdued Wednesday as they waited for details about Jackson's death.

Andrews said Jackson had two children, an 18-year-old daughter and a 13-year-old son. He was separated from his wife. He is also survived by his mother.

"Anytime something like this happens, it is terrible, but particularly at this time of year. They (his family) will always relate Christmas with his death," Andrews said.

Funeral services for Jackson are 2 p.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church in Hennessey.

If you have credible information about Larry's murder, call the Homicide Tip Line at 405-297-1200 or Oklahoma City Crime Stoppers at 405-235-7300. You can remain anonymous.


Larry Wayne Jackson