A journey to help a friend move into a new apartment ended in tragedy for 20-year-old Emmanuel Jackson. On the night of January 25, 2026, in Newport News, Virginia, Jackson, a resident of St. Robert, Missouri, was fatally shot inside an apartment on Bellows Way. Police and paramedics responded to a call about the shooting around 10:46 p.m. and found Jackson suffering from a gunshot wound.
He was transported to Riverside Regional Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into the shooting led to the arrest of Jaylan Ellis, who was identified as Jackson's "best friend". According to statements Ellis made to investigators, the shooting was a tragic accident. Jackson had traveled from Missouri to assist Ellis and his wife with their move. The incident occurred when Jackson reportedly brought a shotgun from another room into the living area, removed the magazine, and handed the weapon to Ellis. Ellis told police he reinserted the magazine without checking for ammunition, pointed the shotgun in Jackson's direction, and the firearm "accidentally discharged," striking Jackson in the head.
Following the investigation, Jaylan Ellis was taken into custody and is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter and discharging a firearm in a building or dwelling. Authorities have stated that they are not seeking any other suspects in relation to this incident.
