Zacchaeus Daniel Johnson, Roosevelt Denson, Jr. Death; Jackson shooting leaves 2 dead, 2 injured; community voices concern
Zacchaeus Daniel Johnson, Roosevelt Denson, Jr. Death – Authorities in Jackson are investigating a late-night shooting that left two people dead and two others wounded over the weekend. The violence has sparked growing concern among residents about safety in their community.
The Jackson Police Department reported that the incident happened around 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 30, 2025, in the 5600 block of Dogwood Trail. Officers responding to the scene found 48-year-old Roosevelt Denson, Jr. suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the location.
Three additional victims were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. One of them, 26-year-old Zacchaeus Daniel Johnson, later died of his injuries around 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 31. The two remaining victims are still recovering, though their conditions have not been publicly released.
Detective Tommie Brown of JPD confirmed the fatalities but noted that investigators have not yet identified a suspect or established a clear motive. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward to help piece together what led to the deadly exchange of gunfire.
For residents of the Willowood neighborhood, the shooting was another troubling reminder of the violence that has shaken parts of the city. Community leaders and neighbors expressed grief and frustration, voicing fears about the continuing toll gun violence is taking on families.
“How many more are we going to have?” asked Rosalyn Sylvester, president of the Willowood Neighborhood Community. She emphasized the uncertainty people feel, noting that even moving to another neighborhood doesn’t guarantee safety. “We don’t always know what’s going on in a family’s household, whether their finances or whether there’s just overwhelming disputes with each other domestically. But there’s something going on that we have to resort to killing each other,” she said.
Her comments reflect a broader sense of worry within the community, where residents are grappling with repeated incidents of violence. Many are calling for stronger measures to address underlying issues, including disputes that escalate into deadly confrontations.
As investigators continue their work, police are asking for public assistance. They have provided contact numbers for both the Jackson Police Department and Crime Stoppers, stressing the importance of community cooperation in solving the case. Witness accounts and tips could play a critical role in identifying those responsible.
The weekend shooting adds to a string of violent incidents that have unsettled residents and raised concerns about public safety across Jackson. For families of the victims, the pain is especially sharp, with two lives cut short and others left struggling to recover.
Community leaders say the tragedy underscores the urgent need for more dialogue, prevention strategies, and resources to address the root causes of violence. For now, however, the neighborhood is left mourning the loss of two men while hoping for justice and healing.
