JACKSONVILLE, FL – A former college basketball player, who previously represented the University of South Carolina and the University of Connecticut, has been charged in connection with the murder of his mother at a residence in Jacksonville, Florida.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reported an incident at a property on 15th Street West early Monday morning. Officers arriving at the scene discovered 51-year-old Erika Winford unresponsive and suffering from gunshot wounds in the backyard. Her body had been covered with blankets and towels. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene.
The suspect, 28-year-old Eric Cobb, was apprehended by law enforcement as he attempted to leave the premises. Authorities have charged Cobb with second-degree murder, and the case is currently under review by the State Attorney’s Office for the filing of formal charges.
According to law enforcement officials, an acquaintance of Winford’s went to her home after she failed to answer her phone calls. Upon finding her, the acquaintance contacted authorities. Investigators interviewed witnesses who reported hearing a woman scream, “he’s going to kill me,” the preceding evening, as well as the sound of gunfire. Despite these reports, no emergency calls were made to 911 during the incident.
Cobb, standing at 6 feet 9 inches and weighing 240 pounds, last played college basketball with UConn during the 2018-2019 season, primarily as a reserve player. He had previously been suspended by the team for conduct detrimental to the program.
His collegiate career began in South Carolina, though he left following an arrest for shooting at an occupied vehicle with a BB gun during his freshman year. Before joining UConn, Cobb played at a junior college in Florida.
The Jacksonville native completed his high school education at St. Francis Academy in Baltimore, where he gained recognition as a four-star recruit and was ranked 21st among power forwards in 2015 by ESPN.
Currently, Cobb is being held without bond in the Duval County Jail as the investigation into the tragic events continues.