On January 2, 2019, Jalyn J.M. Jackson, a 20-year-old African American male, was tragically killed in Harvey, Illinois. The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. as Jalyn and his pregnant 18-year-old girlfriend, Nazaree Lambert, were entering her home near 146th and Green. A gunman approached the couple and opened fire, shooting Jalyn multiple times. He was pronounced dead at Metro South Medical Center in Blue Island.
Nazaree, who was two months pregnant at the time, was critically wounded but survived the attack.
The Harvey Police Department, led by Chief Gregory Thomas, indicated that the shooting was targeted. Investigators believe the motive was retaliation for a previous incident involving a stolen vehicle. Jalyn had reportedly been attacked and seriously injured a few weeks prior due to a dispute over the stolen vehicle, although this incident was not reported to the police. The shooter had allegedly been stalking Jalyn and Nazaree before the attack, waiting for an opportunity to strike as they entered the residence.
The police do not believe that Nazaree was involved in the stolen vehicle incident and consider her an innocent bystander. Despite the targeted nature of the shooting, no arrests have been made, and the gunman remains at large. The Harvey Police Department has urged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward and assist with the investigation.
Jalyn's death was part of a particularly violent year for Harvey, which saw a significant increase in homicides. The city recorded 19 homicides in 2019, making it the deadliest year in recent history for the Cook County suburb. This surge in violence has drawn attention from both residents and law enforcement officials, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the community in addressing crime and ensuring public safety.
