In the late afternoon of August 30, 2024, tragedy struck on Cuba Place in the city of Rochester, New York, forever altering the lives of those connected to James Jackson Jr.. The 39-year-old man was seated in his vehicle when he was ambushed and shot multiple times in the upper body.. In a desperate attempt to escape the violent assault, Jackson tried to drive away but ultimately crashed his vehicle into a pole..
Despite the efforts of first responders who rushed to the scene, he was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital..
The subsequent investigation by the Rochester Police Department into the brazen daylight shooting led them to identify two individuals responsible for the death of James Jackson Jr.. The first to be apprehended was 17-year-old Raphael Marquez, who was arrested following a chase on North Clinton Avenue.. Marquez was identified as the shooter in the incident.. A second suspect, 21-year-old Timothy Brooks, was also taken into custody for his involvement in the homicide.. The community was left shaken by the senseless act of violence that claimed a man's life in the middle of a city street.
The wheels of justice began to turn for the two men charged in connection with the murder. Raphael Marquez ultimately pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of Manslaughter in the 1st Degree for his role in the killing.. On June 4, 2025, the 18-year-old was sentenced to 23 years in the New York State Department of Corrections, to be followed by five years of post-release supervision.. Timothy Brooks, on the other hand, opted for a trial. In November 2025, a Monroe County jury found him guilty of second-degree murder, two counts of attempted robbery, and criminal possession of a weapon.. His sentencing was scheduled for January 8 of the following year..
