JACKSONVILLE, FL – Eric Cobb, a former basketball player for the University of Connecticut, was arrested in Jacksonville, Florida, after authorities discovered the body of his mother, 51-year-old Erika Winford, wrapped in blankets and towels in their backyard. Cobb, 28, has been charged with her murder following the discovery of her body, which showed evidence of a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The disturbing incident unfolded on Tuesday morning when a 911 call was placed by a friend of Winford’s who had gone to check on her after several failed attempts to reach her. Upon arriving, the friend found what appeared to be a blood-stained area outside the home and what looked like a body wrapped in blankets. Investigators later identified the body as Winford’s.
Witnesses reported hearing a woman scream, “he’s going to kill me,” and hearing gunshots the previous evening. However, neither of them called 911 at the time. Investigators say Cobb attempted to leave the home but was arrested by authorities as they responded to the scene.
Cobb, who was a former standout player at UConn, played in 15 games for the university between 2017 and 2019, according to UConn Athletics. He also had a history with the University of South Carolina basketball team. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Cobb is from Jacksonville but did not provide further details regarding his arrest.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is working with the State’s Attorney’s Office as the investigation continues.
