If you stay updated on current events or cinema, you might be familiar with the name Falicia Blakely. In 2017, a film was released depicting her life, a narrative that resonated strongly with audiences. Despite currently serving three life sentences, her story remains a topic of discussion.
For those who are not acquainted with her, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of Falicia Blakely’s life and actions. Beyond the labels of robber and murderer, her story unfolds with complexities that invite a closer examination. We encourage you to delve into the following paragraphs for a more nuanced understanding.
Who is Falicia Blakely, and what transpired in her life?
To introduce the Falicia Blakely case, it’s crucial to recognize her as both perpetrator and victim. The intricacies of this characterization will become apparent shortly.
Born in 1986 in Jacksonville, Florida, Falicia’s life took a dark turn by the age of nineteen, as she found herself responsible for the deaths of three men. This abrupt shift in behavior prompts one to ponder the circumstances that led a young person to commit such acts.
The catalyst for her actions was Michael Berry, her lover, who allegedly influenced her involvement in these crimes. Surprisingly, Michael faced no legal repercussions, as there was insufficient evidence to substantiate his influence over Falicia.
Early life of Falicia Blakely
The trajectory of Falicia’s life, shaping her adult self, commenced at the age of sixteen when she relocated to Atlanta and enrolled in a prestigious high school. However, her academic pursuits were short-lived, as she opted to leave school to support herself financially.
Blakely’s criminal activities were not isolated incidents but rather a manifestation of a challenging upbringing. Raised in an unhealthy environment, she endured significant abuse, with her father frequently incarcerated due to drug-related issues. Meanwhile, her mother’s focus on romantic relationships further contributed to Falicia’s sense of neglect.
At the tender age of sixteen, Falicia became a mother, and her troubles escalated when the child’s father betrayed her. In this vulnerable state, Michael Berry emerged as a stabilizing force, providing her with love, sustenance, and a sense of security. Despite the age gap, Michael treated her with the respect and care she yearned for.
When familial mistreatment became unbearable, Falicia left her home, dropped out of school, and resorted to working as a stripper using a fake ID. Despite her efforts to support herself and her son, the influence of Michael Berry ultimately led her down a dark path of murder and robbery for financial gain.
The Falicia Blakely case:
In 2003, spurred by Michael’s directives, Falicia Blakely and her accomplice, Armeshia Ervin, embarked on a twenty-four-hour crime spree in Atlanta. This spree included the robbery of several fast-food establishments and the murder of two men, Raymond Goodwin (34) and Claudel Christmas (35). Twelve hours later, they claimed another life, that of Lemetrius Twitty, a witness to an Atlanta altercation involving NFL linebacker Ray Lewis.
After a week on the run, utilizing the vehicle of one of their victims, Falicia and Armeshia were apprehended at Mrs. Winners, a diner they had intended to rob. The vigilant owners sensed something amiss and promptly alerted the police.
Sentencing of Falicia Blakely and Armeshia Ervin
Falicia Blakely pleaded guilty to armed robbery and the initial double murders, avoiding the death penalty but receiving three consecutive life sentences without parole eligibility. As of 2022, she is incarcerated at Arrendale State Prison. Armeshia Ervin, her accomplice, received one life sentence with parole eligibility in 2024.
Film adaptation of Falicia Blakely’s story:
In 2017, Tasha Smith directed “When Love Kills: The Falicia Blakely Story,” a film that chronicles Falicia’s journey from a teenage mother to a stripper and, ultimately, an abused murderer.
Closing reflections:
While the tragedy befalling Blakely and Ervin’s victims cannot be understated, it is imperative to recognize that Falicia was herself a victim, manipulated by her boyfriend into actions she might never have undertaken otherwise. Her tumultuous life, marked by abuse and misguided influences, sheds light on the vulnerability of individuals facing adversity. The hope is that such unfortunate incidents never recur, though the reality suggests otherwise. The Falicia Blakely case serves as a poignant narrative of a woman who, despite enduring abuse and mistreatment, found herself led astray by those she deemed significant.
