In the quiet of a late Saturday night, the stillness of Jackson, Mississippi, was shattered by a burst of gunfire on Dogwood Trail, leaving a community in mourning and a city grappling with yet another wave of violence. Around 11 p.m. on August 30, 2025, a brutal shooting claimed the lives of two men and left two others wounded, casting a somber shadow over the Labor Day weekend.
When Jackson Police Department officers arrived at the 5600 block of Dogwood Trail, they were met with a harrowing scene. Roosevelt Denson Jr., a 48-year-old man, lay lifeless, his body riddled with at least one fatal gunshot wound. Despite the swift response of emergency services, he was pronounced dead at the scene. As the night unfolded, the tragedy deepened. Authorities confirmed on Sunday afternoon that 26-year-old Zacchaeus Daniel Johnson, who had been rushed to a local hospital, succumbed to his injuries, becoming the second fatality of the night.
Two other victims, struck by bullets in the same attack, were transported to nearby hospitals. Their conditions remain undisclosed, leaving families and friends clinging to hope amid uncertainty. The Interim Hinds County Coroner, Jeramiah Howard, was among the first responders, bearing witness to the grim aftermath of the violence that unfolded under the cover of darkness.
The Jackson Police Department, led by Detective Tommie Brown, is working tirelessly to piece together the events that led to this devastating loss. As of now, no suspect has been identified, and the motive behind the shooting remains elusive. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities urging the public to come forward with any information that could bring clarity to this senseless act. Tips can be shared directly with the Jackson Police Department at (601) 960-1234 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (601) 355-TIPS (8477).
This tragedy marks another painful chapter in Jackson’s struggle with violent crime. As the city mourns the loss of Roosevelt Denson Jr. and Zacchaeus Daniel Johnson, the ripple effects of their deaths touch families, friends, and a community all too familiar with grief. The unanswered questions—why this happened, who is responsible—hang heavy, fueling a collective call for justice and an end to the cycle of violence.
