“Teen Arrested in Tragic Shooting of 19-Year-Old Zephaniah Thompson on Holden Street”
The quiet of a spring evening in Jackson, Mississippi, was shattered on May 7, 2025, when 19-year-old Zephaniah Thompson was found lifeless on the 300 block of Holden Street, near Segura Avenue. The young man, described by neighbors as a vibrant presence in the community, had been fatally shot, marking the city’s first homicide of the month. For Thompson’s family and friends, the loss was a devastating blow, a moment that transformed their lives forever. As the community mourns, the Jackson Police Department has moved swiftly, arresting a 17-year-old suspect and intensifying efforts to apprehend a second individual believed to be involved in the tragedy.
The suspect, identified as LeCorion Davis, was taken into custody shortly after the incident and is being held on a $1 million bond, a reflection of the gravity of the charge against him. Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade, addressing the media with measured resolve, confirmed Davis’s arrest and revealed that authorities are now searching for Michael Kelly, an alleged accomplice in the shooting. The police have urged the public to come forward with any information about Kelly’s whereabouts, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in bringing closure to this case. Contact numbers for the Jackson Police Department and Crime Stoppers have been widely circulated, with authorities hopeful that tips from residents will lead to Kelly’s apprehension.
The shooting occurred in a residential area known for its tight-knit community, where Thompson was a familiar face. According to preliminary reports, the incident took place between 4:00 and 4:30 p.m., a time when the neighborhood is typically bustling with after-school activity. Police responded promptly to reports of gunfire, arriving to find Thompson deceased at the scene. The Hinds County Interim Coroner, Jermiah Howard, later confirmed the victim’s identity, adding a somber note to the unfolding investigation. While the motive for the shooting remains under investigation, the loss of a young life has left the community grappling with grief and questions about the circumstances that led to such violence.
Chief Wade, a veteran of the Jackson Police Department with years of experience in homicide investigations, spoke candidly about the broader context of the city’s efforts to curb violent crime. He noted that Jackson has seen a significant reduction in homicides in 2025 compared to the previous year, with 25 reported between January and April, down from 45 in the same period in 2024. This progress, Wade emphasized, is the result of strengthened partnerships with other law enforcement agencies, including the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department and Capitol Police, as well as increased community engagement. Yet, the death of Zephaniah Thompson underscores the persistent challenges the city faces in ensuring the safety of its residents, particularly its youth.
For the residents of Holden Street, the incident is a painful reminder of the fragility of life in a city that has struggled with high crime rates. Jackson’s homicide rate, while declining, remains a pressing concern, with the city recording over 110 homicides in 2024. Community leaders and activists have called for continued investment in youth programs and violence prevention initiatives, arguing that addressing the root causes of crime—poverty, lack of opportunity, and systemic inequities—is essential to creating lasting change. In the wake of Thompson’s death, local organizations have begun organizing vigils and outreach efforts to support his family and foster healing in the neighborhood.
As the investigation continues, the Jackson Police Department remains focused on piecing together the events that led to the shooting. Detectives are interviewing witnesses and analyzing evidence, determined to uncover the full scope of what transpired that Wednesday afternoon. For Thompson’s loved ones, the pursuit of justice offers little solace in the face of their loss, but the community’s resolve to stand together in the face of tragedy is a testament to their strength. Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact the Jackson Police Department at 601-960-1234 or Crime Stoppers at 601-355-8477, as every detail could prove critical in ensuring accountability for this heartbreaking crime.
