In the early hours of New Year's Day in Natchez, Mississippi, the life of 21-year-old Jalen Lamarion Griffin was tragically cut short. On January 1, 2025, Griffin was killed in a shooting incident that also resulted in another person being injured. A graduate of Natchez High School, Jalen was known to enjoy playing basketball, caring for his dogs, and spending cherished time with his family and friends.
He worked in construction and concrete laying, building a life for himself in his hometown.
The promising future of this young man was extinguished, leaving a community in mourning and a family devastated by their loss. Jalen, born on December 13, 2003, was the son of Alena Brown and Lamarcus Griffin. He was remembered for his love for his family, including his parents, step-father, siblings, and grandparents. His sudden and violent death prompted an investigation by the Natchez Police Department as they sought to bring those responsible to justice.
In the weeks following the fatal shooting, law enforcement made a significant breakthrough in the case. On January 15, 2025, Natchez police arrested 20-year-old Trayvon Coach in connection with the homicide. Coach was subsequently charged with the murder of Jalen Griffin. At the time of the arrest, the Natchez Police Chief indicated that the investigation was ongoing and that they anticipated making further arrests in the case, suggesting that others may have been involved in the incident that led to Griffin's death.
