If you stay updated with current events or cinema, Falicia Blakely is likely a name you’ve come across. A film delving into her life was released in 2017, sparking conversations about her actions. Currently serving three life sentences, Blakely’s story remains a topic of discussion.
For those unfamiliar with her narrative, allow us to provide an overview. Our article aims to shed light on the true story of this woman, exploring beyond the commonly known facets of her life.
While Blakely is often characterized as a robber and murderer, her story is far from straightforward. Unfolding circumstances led her to make choices that warrant a closer examination. We encourage you to read further to uncover the nuanced details.
Who is Falicia Blakely, and what transpired in her life?
To introduce the Falicia Blakely case, it’s essential to recognize her as both the perpetrator and victim. This assertion will be clarified shortly.
Born in 1986 in Jacksonville, Florida, Falicia’s life took a dark turn by the age of nineteen when she had already taken three lives. The abruptness of such actions by someone so young raises questions about the circumstances that prompted them.
Central to this narrative is Michael Berry, Falicia’s lover, who allegedly influenced her criminal activities. Regrettably, no conclusive evidence implicated Michael, and he evaded legal consequences.
Early Life of Falicia Blakely
Critical aspects of Falicia’s life, influencing her adult choices, unfolded at the age of sixteen when she moved to Atlanta, leaving school to support herself financially. Her life was characterized by hardship, growing up in an unhealthy environment marked by neglect and abuse. With a drug-addicted father frequently incarcerated and a mother preoccupied with relationships, Falicia experienced profound neglect.
Becoming a mother at sixteen further complicated her situation, as the child’s father betrayed her. Michael Berry, a man ten to fifteen years her senior, played a pivotal role in helping her rebuild her life. Despite her troubled past, he provided love, sustenance, and security, fulfilling her desires.
Amidst parental abuse, Falicia left home, dropped out of school, and turned to stripping for financial support. Underage for such work, she obtained a fake ID to sustain herself and her son. However, influenced by Michael Berry, she eventually succumbed to a life of crime, including murder and robbery.
The Falicia Blakely Case
In 2003, at Michael’s behest, Falicia and accomplice Armeshia Ervin embarked on a twenty-four-hour crime spree in Atlanta. Robbing several fast-food establishments, they committed two murders—Raymond Goodwin (34) and Claudel Christmas (35). Twelve hours later, they killed Lemetrius Twitty, a witness in an Atlanta fight involving NFL linebacker Ray Lewis.
On the run for a week, using a victim’s car, Falicia and Armeshia were apprehended at a diner, Mrs. Winners. Their plan to rob the diner was thwarted when the owners sensed their suspicious behavior.
Sentencing
Falicia pleaded guilty to armed robbery and the first double murders, sparing her from the death penalty. She received three consecutive life sentences without parole eligibility, currently serving her sentence at Arrendale State Prison. Armeshia Ervin, her accomplice, received one life sentence with parole eligibility in 2024.
Film Adaptation
In 2017, Tasha Smith directed “When Love Kills: The Falicia Blakely Story,” a film portraying Falicia’s transformation from a young teenage mother to a stripper and ultimately, a troubled murderer.
Reflections
While the tragedy of Blakely and Ervin’s victims is undeniable, it’s crucial to acknowledge Blakely as a victim herself—manipulated into criminal acts by her boyfriend. Her life was marked by hardship, abuse, and misguided trust. This narrative serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglect and manipulation on vulnerable individuals.
Concluding Thoughts
Our exploration of Falicia Blakely’s story concludes here. Narratives like these often carry nuances that can be overlooked. We aspire to have presented her story accurately, with sincere wishes for the victims to find peace.