On the evening of March 19, 2020, a young African American man named Reginald Jefferson Jr., who was 24 years old, was at a Kangaroo Express service station on Plank Road in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. An altercation broke out inside the convenience store involving Jefferson and at least one other individual. The dispute quickly escalated to a tragic and violent conclusion.
During the physical confrontation, gunshots rang out within the store. Jefferson was struck by multiple bullets.
He collapsed at the scene from his injuries and died. A second person who was with Jefferson was also shot. This individual managed to flee the store but was pursued by the gunman who continued to fire. The second victim was later found across the street with a gunshot wound but was expected to survive.
The investigation into the shooting led Baton Rouge police to identify two suspects. Surveillance footage from the gas station was instrumental in their identification. The video reportedly showed a 19-year-old male, accompanied by his mother and a small child, entering the store and getting into the altercation with Jefferson and the other victim. Following the shooting, the young man was seen standing over Jefferson, who was face down on the ground, and shooting him again. On March 26, 2020, authorities arrested Keon Jarvis, 19, and his mother, Latoya Jarvis, who was 35. Keon Jarvis was charged with first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. His mother, Latoya Jarvis, faced a charge of obstruction of justice.
