In the quiet evening of June 2, 2024, the life of 17-year-old Kalil Calunga-Rodriguez of Lansing, Michigan, was tragically cut short. A Black male, Calunga-Rodriguez was visiting his girlfriend in Jackson when he was fatally wounded in what authorities described as a drive-by shooting. The incident unfolded in the 400 block of Griswold Street, where Calunga-Rodriguez was outside a home around 9:00 p.m.
A vehicle, reported to be traveling eastbound, approached, and shots were fired, striking the teenager in the chest. Despite the swift arrival of emergency responders, Calunga-Rodriguez succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
The Jackson Police Department immediately launched a homicide investigation into the shooting. Their efforts led to the identification and arrest of a suspect, 22-year-old Jayvion Hodge of Jackson. Two individuals connected to the murder were arraigned in Jackson County Court in September 2024. Hodge was subsequently charged with open murder and felony firearm. The case proceeded to a jury trial in October 2025.
During the trial, the prosecution argued that Hodge had premeditated intent to kill Calunga-Rodriguez, citing text messages as evidence. They contended that a dispute, possibly revolving around the victim's girlfriend who had previously been in a relationship with Hodge, had escalated throughout the day, culminating in the fatal encounter. The prosecution presented evidence that Hodge's girlfriend drove him and his cousin to the Griswold Street residence, where the shooting occurred. Internet searches made by Hodge after the incident, including 'Jackson late night homicide' and 'does God forgive murderers,' were also presented as signs of guilt.
The defense, however, painted a different picture of the events that transpired. They argued that both Calunga-Rodriguez and Hodge had exchanged threats and that it was Calunga-Rodriguez who fired the first shot. The defense maintained that Hodge acted in self-defense, returning fire only after the vehicle he was in was shot at. Evidence suggesting the vehicle's back window was shot out before it reached the front of the residence was part of their argument. After deliberations, the Jackson County jury found Jayvion Hodge not guilty of open murder. He was, however, found guilty of the felony firearm charge.
