Verdict in for 2 accused of drive-by shooting that killed Pontiac child

Oakland County juries returned Tuesday with responsible verdicts for 2 Pontiac males charged with 10 crimes for a drive-by taking pictures that left a toddler useless and her mom injured practically 4 years in the past.

JaJuan McDonald, 21, and Justin Rouser, 23, have been convicted of first-degree homicide for the demise of 7-year-old Ariah Jackson outdoors her Pontiac dwelling on March 18, 2022. They have been additionally discovered responsible of 9 different crimes: 4 counts of assault with intent to homicide and 5 counts of felonious assault with a firearm.

The kid’s mom, Lashawn Jackson, was additionally struck by the gunfire and suffered an abrasion to the top. It’s believed that the kid and her mom have been unintended victims of the taking pictures, as investigators reportedly discovered no proof that McDonald or Rouser knew them.

McDonald and Rouser have been reportedly members of ‘4-Block’, described as a violent road gang.

Based on investigators, Lashawn Jackson returned dwelling after choosing up Ariah and three different youngsters at a faculty bus cease shortly earlier than the taking pictures. A automotive pushed by Rouser had adopted them and McDonald opened fireplace on Jackson’s automotive whereas it was within the driveway. Ariah was shot within the head and pronounced useless at an space hospital.

The trials, which started with jury choice on January 12, have been presided over by Oakland County Circuit Choose Jacob Cunningham.

The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Workplace has 21 days from the date of sentencing to determine whether or not to hunt life sentences with out parole for McDonald and Rouser. That is due to Michigan legislation that makes obligatory life sentences unconstitutional for individuals who have been 20 years outdated or youthful after they dedicated first-degree homicide.

Sentencing overview hearings are scheduled for March 3 for Rouser and March 10 for McDonald.

Separate from the trial, there’s one other case in opposition to McDonald, who’s scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 19 on costs of assault with intent to do bodily hurt lower than homicide and felony firearm costs for an incident in October 2021. In 2024, he pleaded no contest to the fees. In alternate for the plea, prosecutors dismissed a cost of assault with intent to homicide.