John Jackson, a 50-year-old African American man, was tragically killed on October 21, 2017, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Jackson was working on a broken-down car outside the Dixie Food Store when he was shot in the back of the head. The incident occurred around 12:55 a.m., and Jackson was later pronounced dead at Broward Health Medical Center. His girlfriend, Faith Patterson, pleaded for public assistance in identifying the shooter, describing the act as cowardly.
Jackson is survived by two adult children and was known for his various jobs, including working at a fast-food restaurant.
The investigation into Jackson's death revealed that he was one of the victims in a series of killings targeting homeless individuals in Broward County. Nathaniel Maurice Petgrave, a 22-year-old man, was arrested and charged with three counts of premeditated murder, including the murder of John Jackson. Petgrave, who was also homeless, confessed to the crimes and admitted to marking one of the crime scenes with blood. He was initially arrested for operating a stolen vehicle but later confessed to the murders when he came to the police station to retrieve his belongings.
The motive behind Jackson's killing remains unclear, and detectives are still piecing together the circumstances surrounding the incident. The surveillance video from the convenience store showed Jackson interacting with a man in dark clothing before he was shot. The police have not disclosed whether Jackson and the shooter had any prior relationship. The investigation is ongoing, and the authorities continue to seek information from the public to bring justice for Jackson and his family.
