On Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 2021, the life of 21-year-old Sai'Von Alexander My'Kell Jackson was tragically cut short in a fatal shooting on the 2700 block of Elwood Avenue in South Bend, Indiana. Jackson was a beloved son, a proud father to his daughter, and a surrogate father to his girlfriend's son. Born on January 11, 2000, in South Bend, he was the only child of his mother, Tasha Jackson.
He was educated in the South Bend school system and had been employed by both Taco Bell and the University of Notre Dame. He was known for his beautiful smile and the deep love he had for his daughter and mother.
The shooting incident also left a second victim, 26-year-old JaiVon Berry, in critical condition. When South Bend Police Department officers arrived at the scene, they discovered both victims. Jackson was pronounced dead at the scene, while Berry was transported to the hospital. The investigation into the violent encounter quickly led to a suspect.
A juvenile, A'Quan Irons of South Bend, was arrested in connection with the homicide. In January 2023, Irons pleaded guilty to the murder of Sai'Von Jackson and the aggravated battery of JaiVon Berry. On February 10, 2023, the now 16-year-old Irons was sentenced for his crimes. He received a 45-year sentence for the murder and an additional five years for the aggravated battery charge. The sentences are to be served consecutively, totaling 50 years of incarceration for the young man responsible for the untimely death of Sai'Von Jackson.
