In Hammond, Louisiana, a child visitation arrangement turned into a tragic and fatal encounter for 21-year-old Howard Watkins Jr., an African American male. On Tuesday, October 18, 2022, Watkins had accompanied a female friend and her two children to a prearranged meeting with the children's father, 25-year-old Ajante Jackson. Upon their arrival at the designated location, Jackson allegedly began shooting at the vehicle Watkins was driving.
In an attempt to escape the gunfire, Watkins
drove to his father's nearby home on Happywoods Road. However, he was followed by Jackson and a woman identified as 20-year-old Chardonay Washington. In the driveway of his father's house, a physical altercation ensued, during which Jackson reportedly shot Watkins. In a valiant effort to protect his son, Howard Watkins Sr. intervened and was also shot by Jackson. Both father and son were transported to a local hospital, where Howard Watkins Jr. succumbed to his injuries.
Following the incident, Ajante Jackson and Chardonay Washington fled the scene. They were later located and taken into custody. Jackson was charged with one count of second-degree murder, two counts of attempted second-degree murder, two counts of cruelty to juveniles, and one count of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Washington was charged with being a principal to second-degree murder, principal to attempted second-degree murder, and obstruction of justice.
