JACKSON, Miss. — Community in Mourning After 53-Year-Old Troy Howard Jr. Fatally Shot in Broad Daylight
JACKSON, Miss. — Community in Mourning After 53-Year-Old Troy Howard Jr. Fatally Shot in Broad Daylight
JACKSON, Miss. — A wave of shock and sorrow has gripped the city of Jackson following a deadly shooting that claimed the life of 53-year-old Troy Howard Jr., a lifelong resident and father, who was gunned down in broad daylight in a quiet neighborhood on Gentry Street.
The fatal shooting occurred early Tuesday afternoon, June 18, just after 1 p.m., in the 1400 block of Gentry Street—a residential area where neighbors say children were outside and families were returning from errands when the chaos erupted. According to the Jackson Police Department, Howard was struck multiple times by gunfire and collapsed in the street. First responders arrived on the scene within minutes and transported him to the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Authorities have not yet named a suspect, and investigators are actively pursuing leads, canvassing the area for surveillance footage and speaking with witnesses. Police believe the shooting may have stemmed from a personal dispute, but they have not ruled out other possibilities. As of Wednesday morning, no arrests had been made.
For many in Jackson, Troy Howard Jr. was not just a name on a police report. He was a familiar face—a man who worked hard, loved his family deeply, and was known for his kindness and quiet strength. Neighbors described him as respectful and dependable, often seen mowing lawns, helping elderly residents with groceries, or simply exchanging friendly conversation on porches.
“He was one of the good ones,” said Margaret Fields, a longtime neighbor who had known Howard for over two decades. “He didn’t deserve to die like that—in the street, in the middle of the day, with children watching.”
Howard’s family is now grappling with an unimaginable loss. His sister, Vanessa Howard, spoke tearfully at a small gathering held outside his home Tuesday night. “He was the backbone of our family,” she said. “Always there when you needed something—whether it was a ride to work or just someone to talk to. He never turned his back on anyone.”
Howard leaves behind two adult children, a grandson, and an extended family that includes nieces, nephews, and cousins throughout Jackson and the greater Hinds County area. He was a graduate of Wingfield High School and had worked in the construction and landscaping industries for years, earning a reputation as someone who took pride in his work and valued his reputation in the community.
Local leaders and clergy responded swiftly to the news of the shooting, decrying the violence and calling for renewed investment in community safety and conflict resolution. Pastor Raymond Bell of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church said the city must confront the root causes of violence, including poverty, mental health, and easy access to firearms.
“We cannot normalize this,” Pastor Bell said. “Troy’s life mattered. And if we don’t stand together—churches, neighbors, leaders—more families will suffer this kind of pain.”
A makeshift memorial of candles, flowers, and handwritten notes has begun to grow on Gentry Street near the site of the shooting. One sign reads, “Rest Easy, Mr. Troy. You were loved.” Another, penned by a neighborhood child, says simply, “Why did this happen?”
Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba released a statement offering condolences to the Howard family and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to addressing violent crime in the capital city. “We grieve the loss of Mr. Howard and extend our deepest sympathies to his loved ones,” the statement read. “Our community deserves to feel safe and supported, and we will continue working with law enforcement and community groups to prevent these senseless acts of violence.”
As investigators continue their search for answers, those who knew and loved Troy Howard Jr. are left with a painful absence and a burning desire for justice. His death marks yet another tragic chapter in a city struggling to curb its rising tide of gun violence.
A candlelight vigil in honor of Troy is scheduled for Friday evening at Battlefield Park, a location he often visited with his grandchildren. Organizers say the vigil will be a place for healing, remembrance, and a recommitment to community unity.
In a quiet corner of the city, a life once marked by service, family, and humility was taken too soon. And while the echoes of gunfire may fade, the memory of Troy Howard Jr. endures—through the stories shared, the lives he touched, and the cries for peace that now ring louder in his name.
