Tragic Incident: Man Fatally Shot While Assisting Friend’s Relocation, Authorities Report

An unexpected tragedy has befallen a Missouri family after Emmanuel Jackson, a young man of 20, was fatally shot while visiting Newport News, Virginia. Jackson had embarked on the trip to assist a friend with a move, but his family had reservations about him making the journey.

The incident occurred on January 23, and the local police department has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Jackson’s death. In connection with the case, law enforcement has apprehended Jaylan Ellis, a 22-year-old resident of the area. Ellis faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and discharging a firearm within a building.

Jackson’s family, speaking to WVEC, a local ABC affiliate, conveyed their disappointment with the charges leveled against Ellis. They also took the opportunity to honor the memory of their cherished family member. The family is actively seeking justice and has shared their story on a fundraising platform to garner support and remembrance for Jackson.

Details from a criminal complaint revealed that the tragic event unfolded when Ellis’ wife made a distress call to 911, reporting a shooting within their apartment. Police arrived shortly after 10:46 p.m., discovering Jackson seated in a recliner, gravely wounded by a gunshot to the head. Despite Ellis’ attempts to provide first aid by applying pressure to the wound, Jackson’s injuries proved fatal, as he was later declared deceased at a nearby hospital.

Ellis, who had occupied the apartment for just over a week, told authorities that Jackson was aiding him with the move and was considered his “best friend.” Ellis had intended to cover Jackson’s return travel expenses to Missouri. Both he and his wife have maintained that the shooting was a tragic accident.

In the complaint, Ellis said he and Jackson were both sitting in armchairs in the living room in the moments leading up to the shooting. Ellis told police that Jackson brought the shotgun into the living room and took out the magazine. Ellis then put the magazine back into the shotgun, but did not make sure the weapon was clear of ammunition. At some point, he stood up while holding the shotgun and pointed it at Jackson. Ellis said the gun accidentally went off and fired a shot into Jackson’s head.

Ellis told police he immediately dropped the gun and ran to help Jackson while yelling to his wife to call 911.

Jackson’s aunt, Esther Kimbrough, told WVEC that the family had reservations about him making the trip. She said, “We never felt comfortable with him going, but being the friend that Emmanuel was, he insisted.”

Kimbrough added that the family did not believe the involuntary manslaughter charge was sufficient. She told WVEC, “I believe that charge was too lenient. From what we’re knowing and from what we’re hearing, more should have been done. The system has failed Emmanuel Jackson.”

Ellis is scheduled to appear in court on May 12.