In a tragic turn of events on a Wednesday afternoon in Phoenix, Arizona, a young woman's life was cut short. Dejahnique Jackson, a 24-year-old female, was at an apartment near West Peoria and West Desert Cave avenues on April 21, 2021, when she was shot. Responding to a call at approximately 1:25 p.m., police officers discovered Jackson with a gunshot wound at an apartment located near 1500 West Mercer Lane.
Phoenix Fire Department personnel provided immediate medical aid and transported her to a local hospital, but unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased.
The investigation into the shooting quickly led to the identification of a suspect. Amelleonna Russell, a 21-year-old woman who was present at the scene, was taken into custody. According to reports, the incident occurred while Russell, Jackson, and two men were together in the apartment. A firearm reportedly fell from someone's pocket, and when Russell picked it up, it discharged. The single bullet struck one of the men in the hand before fatally striking Jackson in the chest.
Following the incident, Amelleonna Russell was arrested and booked into jail. She was initially charged with manslaughter in connection with Dejahnique Jackson's death. Subsequently, Russell pleaded guilty to a charge of negligent homicide. As a result of her plea, she was sentenced to probation and ordered to pay restitution. The investigation into the shooting remained ongoing even after the arrest and plea.
