A 20-year-old Missouri man, Emmanuel Jackson, was shot and killed Jan. 23 while visiting a friend in Newport News. According to the Newport News Police Department, officers responded to an apartment around 10:46 p.m. after a 911 call reporting a shooting. They found Jackson seated in a recliner with a gunshot wound to the head while 22-year-old Jaylan Ellis was attempting to apply pressure to the injury. Jackson was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police arrested Jaylan Ellis and charged him with involuntary manslaughter and discharging a firearm in a building or dwelling. Investigators say Ellis had moved into the apartment eight days earlier and that Jackson had traveled from Missouri to help him. Ellis described Jackson as his “best friend” and told authorities he had planned to pay for his return ticket home.
Account of the Shooting
According to a criminal complaint obtained by local media, Ellis told police that he and Jackson were sitting in armchairs in the living room before the shooting. Ellis said Jackson brought a shotgun into the room and removed the magazine. Ellis then reinserted the magazine but did not ensure the weapon was clear of ammunition. At some point, Ellis stood up while holding the shotgun and pointed it at Jackson. He told police the gun accidentally discharged, striking Jackson in the head.
Ellis reportedly said he immediately dropped the weapon and ran to assist Jackson while yelling for his wife to call 911. Both Ellis and his wife described the shooting as accidental.
Family Speaks Out
Jackson’s family members have publicly expressed frustration over the charges filed in the case. His aunt, Esther Kimbrough, told local media that relatives had concerns about him traveling to Virginia in the first place but that he insisted on helping his friend. She also said the family believes the involuntary manslaughter charge is too lenient and that more serious charges should have been pursued.
Ellis is scheduled to appear in court on May 12 as the investigation continues.
