Crime
24-year-old Derrick Johnson killed in Jonesboro shooting
The Jonesboro Police Department has identified the victim in a fatal shooting that occurred on the night of Friday, January 31.
Public Information Specialist Sally Smith confirmed that the victim has been identified as 24-year-old Derrick Johnson of Gilmore, Arkansas.
According to authorities, the incident was first reported at approximately 10:17 p.m. when a call was received regarding an unresponsive individual located in the 100 block of Daybreak Drive.
Responding officers arrived on the scene to find Johnson unresponsive in a parking lot.
Despite life-saving efforts, Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following an initial assessment, the Jonesboro Police Department officially classified the case as a homicide.
The department’s Criminal Investigation Division has taken over the investigation and is actively pursuing leads to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to come forward.
Individuals can contact the Jonesboro Police Department at 870-935-5657. All tips will be handled with discretion, and anonymous reports are welcome.
CHESTER COUNTY, Pa. — What was meant to be a night of celebration turned into tragedy when gunfire erupted during Homecoming festivities at Lincoln University, one of the nation’s oldest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The Saturday evening shooting left one person dead and six others injured, casting a shadow over what was supposed to be a weekend of pride and unity.
Officials have identified the deceased victim as 25-year-old Jujuan Jeffers of Wilmington, Delaware, who suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Authorities confirmed that all six surviving victims—aged between 20 and 25 years old—are expected to recover.
In a Sunday afternoon update, officials named 21-year-old Zecqueous Morgan-Thompson as one of the suspects involved in the shooting.
He is currently being held at the Chester County Prison on $25,000 bail, charged with carrying a firearm without a license, according to court documents.
Authorities emphasized that current evidence does not suggest the suspects attended the event with the intent to carry out a mass shooting.
Instead, investigators believe the violence stemmed from a dispute or altercation that escalated into gunfire.
The shooting occurred in the parking lot of the International Cultural Center, where a tailgate celebration was taking place following Lincoln University’s Homecoming football game.
The area was filled with tents, tables, and students celebrating the evening when chaos suddenly erupted.
“We set this out to be a time to celebrate the legacy of Lincoln University, the first Historically Black HBCU,” said University Police Chief Marc Partee. “Devastated. If there was another word to describe that, one more impactful, I would use it — but devastated is a start.”
Lincoln University officials have announced that classes will be canceled on Monday, October 27, designating the day as one of “healing and reflection.” Plans for a remembrance event honoring Jujuan Jeffers are underway.
Chester County Detectives are leading the investigation, with assistance from the FBI and Pennsylvania State Police.
Authorities strongly believe multiple shooters were involved.
K-9 units are assisting in evidence collection, and forensic teams are processing what remains a large and active crime scene.
Investigators are conducting witness interviews and reviewing extensive surveillance and cellphone video footage.
Anyone with video evidence, no matter how minor it may seem, is urged to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI to receive a secure upload link for submission.
The Chester County District Attorney’s Office continues to coordinate with local and federal partners to piece together the sequence of events and determine all parties involved.
Officials have assured the community that the investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional verified updates will be released as they become available.