On the morning of May 28, 2020, the life of 30-year-old Shameka Lajuan Oliver, a Black female from Jackson, Michigan, was tragically cut short. Police responded to reports of gunshots in the 1200 block of Chittock Avenue around 7:00 AM. Upon arrival, they discovered Shameka's body outside her residence; she had sustained a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene. A loving mother of four daughters, Shameka was known for her dedication to her family and her work as a supervisor at Renaissance Northland Home, where she was highly regarded for her compassionate care.
The man responsible for her death was her 33-year-old boyfriend, Rodney Stevenson. He was taken into custody at the scene and lodged at the Jackson County Jail. The investigation revealed a chilling story of domestic violence. Just hours before she was killed, Stevenson had given her flowers, a gesture that masked the violence to come. Evidence suggested that after shooting her, Stevenson dragged her body from the house. He initially offered multiple misleading explanations for her death to the police.
Rodney Stevenson's violent past soon came to light. At the time of Shameka's murder, he was already out on bond for eight open felony cases, including charges of home invasion and felonious assault. His criminal history also included a prior prison sentence for third-degree home invasion and aggravated stalking. The Jackson County Prosecutor's Office charged Stevenson with open murder and felony firearm possession.
After a trial that lasted for weeks, a jury deliberated for three hours before finding Rodney Stevenson guilty of second-degree murder and felony firearm possession. On March 5, 2025, he was sentenced to 80 to 120 years in prison for his crime. During the sentencing, Shameka's mother addressed the court, expressing the profound pain of losing her daughter and confronting the man who had been welcomed into their family. In the wake of this tragedy, Shameka's mother, Salonda Oliver, became involved with the nonprofit organization Stop the Violence Jackson, which is dedicated to supporting families affected by violence.
