On December 5, 2024, at approximately 4:50 p.m., 38-year-old Gerald Jackson was fatally shot in the 3400 block of Nutcreek Court, a cul-de-sac in the Walnut Creek neighborhood on Columbus's northeast side. Officers arriving at the scene found Jackson suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 5:28 p.m.
An adult female at the scene identified herself as the shooter, claiming she acted in self-defense after being threatened by Jackson. The preliminary investigation suggests domestic violence may have been a motive. Authorities stated that the woman is cooperating with detectives, and the investigation is ongoing.
Court records reveal that Jackson had a history of criminal convictions, including rape and domestic violence. In 2004 and 2005, he was convicted of rape and unlawful sexual conduct with a 12-year-old girl, receiving a four-year prison sentence. He was also convicted of two counts of domestic violence in 2003 and had multiple charges related to failing to register his address with the sex offender registry.
At the time of his death, Jackson was involved in an ongoing custody dispute with a woman with whom he shared at least two children. Court records indicate that the woman's attorney had filed a motion in October to hold Jackson in contempt for not paying child support, with a hearing scheduled for February 2025.
The woman who shot Jackson has not been charged with a crime and is cooperating with the investigation. The presence of a child during the incident and a history of domestic disturbances involving Jackson have added complexity to the case. Columbus Police Sergeant James Fuqua emphasized the dangers of domestic violence situations, noting that such homicide investigations are among the most complex cases law enforcement faces.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to contact Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS (8477).
