(September 3, 2014, Jackson, TN) – Judge Christie Little ruled on Wednesday that 17-year-old Jernigel Blackwell, also known as Jernigel Waller, of Jackson, will be tried as adult in connection with a July double shooting in Parkway East Apartments.
The shooting resulted in critically injuring 21-year-old Thomas Reid and killing 17-year-old Shomari Peterson.
Madison County Juvenile Court, Judge Christy Little determined that there was sufficient probable cause and ruled that Blackwell can be tried as adult. Judge Little ordered that Blackwell be held with no bond. He was transported to the Madison County Jail.
On July 27 at about 5:07 p.m., Jackson police were called about two people shot outside Parkway East Apartments at 33 Carver Avenue. Peterson and the 21-year-old man, both of Jackson, had been shot. Peterson was pronounced dead at the scene. The 21-year-old man was transported by ambulance to Jackson-Madison County General Hospital and was released days later.
According to testimony, witnesses say Blackwell first shot in the air befire firing into the crowd. Investigators alleged both suspects fired into the group where the two victims were standing.
The charges against Blackwell and an adult co-defendant, 21- year-old Jakeil Waller of Jackson, will next be presented to the Madison County Grand Jury. Both are charged with the first-degree murder of Peterson and attempted first-degree murder.
Jackson police arrested Blackwell July 28 and Waller on July 29.
Jackson City Court Judge Blake Anderson bound the charges against Waller to the grand jury following an Aug. 21 preliminary hearing in City Court. Waller is also being held at the Madison County Jail with no bond.
