Laderrick Dewayne Jones was a young man from Jackson, Tennessee, with his whole life ahead of him. Born on March 15, 2002, the 24-year-old male was known to his family and friends before his life was violently ended in a public shooting on a Monday afternoon.
The attack happened shortly after noon on October 5, 2026, in a busy commercial area of North Highland Avenue.
At approximately 12:27 p.m., officers from the Jackson Police Department were dispatched to 2018 North Highland Avenue following reports of gunfire. They arrived to find Laderrick collapsed in the parking lot of the Catfish Galley restaurant, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Witnesses told police they saw Laderrick running from a nearby tobacco and vape shop as the shots were fired before he fell to the ground. He was transported in critical condition to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment, but he did not survive his injuries.
The Jackson Police Department’s Major Crimes Division immediately began an intensive investigation into the brazen daylight homicide. Detectives at the scene quickly identified a black sedan occupied by several male passengers as the suspect vehicle. Their work continued relentlessly through the day and into the night, leading to swift arrests. Around 9:00 p.m. that same evening, an adult male suspect surrendered to police. A few hours later, investigators located and took a juvenile suspect into custody. The following day, the department announced that all individuals believed to be directly involved in the shooting were in custody. The names of the suspects were not publicly released.
Jackson Police Chief Thom Corley praised the diligence of his department in a public statement. "I commend our Major Crimes investigators and responding officers for their relentless work in swiftly identifying those responsible and bringing all involved parties into custody," he said. "Their rapid, dedicated efforts throughout the night reflect the high level of skill and commitment our department brings to keeping Jackson safe and pursuing justice for victims and their families." The police department also extended its deepest condolences to Laderrick's grieving family and loved ones.
Laderrick's murder was unsettling for the Jackson community and highlighted what some officials described as a troubling trend of juvenile crime. Just one day after the fatal shooting, police dealt with another incident involving a group of young people attempting to kick in front doors in a residential area. Captain Chris Chestnut, the commander of the Major Crimes Division, spoke about the pattern, noting "large groups of armed juveniles that are out committing crimes." He stressed that addressing the root of the problem required a united front. "It all starts at home and it starts with the community," Captain Chestnut stated. "We all have to work together to solve this problem."
The sentiment was echoed by local leaders like City Councilman Johnny Dodd, who had been advocating for increased community outreach and the creation of more positive activities for the city's youth. He believed that showing young people that someone cares could change their entire outlook and life trajectory. "Once I think a kid knows someone cares about him, that will change their whole life, but you have to give them choices," Dodd said.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was created to provide financial support to Laderrick Jones's family as they navigated their profound loss. As of October 2026, the investigation into his death was considered active and ongoing, even with the suspects in custody. Authorities have continued to ask for the public's help, urging anyone with additional information about the incident to contact the Jackson Police Department at 731-425-8400 or Crime Stoppers at 731-424-8477.
