Justin Jamal Jackson, a 31-year-old Black male, was tragically shot and killed on April 23, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Florida. The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. after Jackson and his friends left a local club. As they exited the parking lot, they were followed by another vehicle. When Jackson's car reached the intersection of Northwest 177th Street and Northwest 2nd Avenue, the occupants of the trailing vehicle began shooting at them.
Jackson was struck in the back and his vehicle was riddled with bullets, with over 30 casings collected at the scene. Despite being transported to a local hospital by the Miami-Dade Fire Department, Jackson succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation revealed that Jackson, who had lupus and rarely went out, had decided to enjoy a night out with friends. His mother, Laytena Jackson, expressed her grief and confusion over the senseless violence that took her son's life. She described him as a good person who was simply trying to enjoy a normal night out.
Nearly two years after the murder, an arrest was made in connection with Jackson's death. Johnathan Antoine, a 21-year-old male, was charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and multiple counts of attempted murder. Antoine had rented several luxury cars, including one used in the shooting, which was tracked to the crime scene via a GPS monitor. The investigation also uncovered that another car with two children inside was struck during the shooting.
Antoine remains in jail without bond and is scheduled to appear in court. The arrest has brought some relief to Jackson's family, who continue to seek justice for their loved one. The Miami Gardens Police Department has urged anyone with additional information about the case to come forward.
