In the late summer evening of September 1, 2023, the lively atmosphere of a high school football game in Port Allen, Louisiana, was shattered by sudden violence. Ja’Kobe Queen, a 15-year-old male student from Brusly High, was fatally shot during halftime of the game against Port Allen High School. The incident, which also resulted in the injury of a 28-year-old woman, Brasia Davis, occurred near the concession stand, sending waves of panic through the crowd.
The events leading up to
the shooting reportedly began with a planned fight between Queen and 18-year-old Jarrettin R. Jackson II. Sources indicated that the altercation was intended to be a fistfight, but escalated dramatically when Jackson allegedly produced a firearm just seconds into the scuffle and fired multiple shots. Queen was struck in the head and neck and was airlifted to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Davis was shot in the arm and survived. The immediate aftermath caused chaos as attendees fled the stadium.
The investigation into the shooting quickly identified Jarrettin R. Jackson II as the primary suspect. He was taken into custody and initially faced charges of second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder. The investigation also led to the arrests of three other individuals, including 18-year-old Jaylen Smith and two minors, on related charges. Authorities recovered a modified handgun at the scene, and it was later revealed through forensic testing that the weapon was linked to two other shootings in Baton Rouge. DNA evidence on the firearm and shell casings also connected Jackson to the crime.
In May 2025, Jarrettin R. Jackson II, then 19, stood trial for the death of Ja’Kobe Queen. After a two-day trial, a West Baton Rouge Parish jury found him guilty of manslaughter, as well as aggravated battery for the injury to Brasia Davis, possession of a machine gun, carrying a firearm on school property, and obstruction of justice. In September 2025, Jackson was sentenced to a total of 48 years in prison for his role in the tragic death of Ja’Kobe Queen.
