by Pontiac, MI – Two men who were teenagers at the time of a deadly drive-by shooting that killed a 7-year-old girl now face life in prison after being convicted of first-degree murder. Jajuan McDonald, 21, and Justin Rouser, 23, were found guilty on Wednesday of the fatal shooting of Ariah Jackson, which occurred in March 2022 as the girl was returning home from school.
The case, which drew national attention for the senselessness of the crime, also involved multiple attempted murders and firearms charges.
Shooting Occurred While Girl Was on Her Way Home
On March 18, 2022, Ariah Jackson had just been dropped off by the school bus along with her sister and two cousins when her mother began driving them home in Pontiac. Authorities say an orange SUV followed the family vehicle in the late afternoon, with Rouser driving and McDonald opening fire.
McDonald fired eight shots, grazing Ariah’s mother and striking Ariah in the back of the head. The other children were unharmed.
Ariah was rushed inside by her father and taken to a nearby hospital, but she died shortly after arrival.
Suspects Arrested and Charged
Rouser was quickly apprehended while allegedly attempting to flee from police, and McDonald turned himself in March 28, 2022. Both men, who were 17 and 19 years old at the time, were charged with first-degree murder, four counts of attempted murder, and five counts of felony firearm.
Jury Convicts Both Men
After a trial, a jury found both McDonald and Rouser guilty on all charges, concluding that the shooting was intentional and premeditated. The convictions now expose them to life sentences in prison, reflecting the severity of taking a young child’s life in a violent act of retribution or escalation.
Sentencing
Sentencing hearings were scheduled for March 3 and March 10, where prosecutors are expected to seek the maximum penalties available under Michigan law. Authorities and the community have described the crime as a tragedy with lasting impact on Ariah’s family and the Pontiac neighborhood.
Conclusion
The convictions of McDonald and Rouser mark the end of a long legal process stemming from a senseless and violent act that took the life of a young child. Law enforcement officials hope the sentences serve as both justice for the family and a warning against gun violence in residential neighborhoods.
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