In the early hours of a Monday morning in Jackson, Mississippi, the life of 18-year-old Adajha Ellis was tragically cut short. On February 17, 2025, the recent Callaway High School graduate, a Black female known affectionately as 'Baby Dee,' was shot multiple times on James Hill Drive. The violence erupted from an altercation that had begun the previous night and escalated horrifically the following morning. Adajha was rushed to the University of Mississippi Medical Center, but her injuries proved fatal.
The Jackson Police Department quickly launched a homicide investigation, which led them to a suspect. Twenty-nine-year-old Jeremy Murphy was arrested in connection with the fatal shooting. Investigators determined that Murphy, who resided at the location where the dispute occurred, retaliated by firing multiple shots at Ellis. Authorities have stated that there was no known relationship between Murphy and the young victim. His alleged actions marked the 10th homicide in the city of Jackson for the year 2025.
Following his arrest, Jeremy Murphy was charged with murder and tampering with evidence. He is currently being held at the Raymond Detention Center without bond. The Jackson Public School District issued a statement expressing their condolences to Adajha's grieving family and friends in the wake of the tragedy that befell their recent graduate.
