Police: One of Three Shooting Victims Targeted in Deadly Shooting
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JACKSON, Tenn.- Jackson Police said they believe the two gunmen who invaded a north Jackson home were specifically targeting one of their three victims shot during the robbery, Wednesday night. Capt. Tyreece Miller of Jackson Police Dept. told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News that investigators now believe the gunmen were targeting shooting victim Johnny Shivers, 36, who apparently died from his injuries on the scene. “What we have learned is that Mr. Shivers, as he was coming home, two robbers were apparently lying in wait for him and as he entered into the back door they rushed him,” said Capt. Miller. “Once they were inside they made demands for money. We believe the robbers had knowledge of what they would find inside.” While processing the crime scene officers said they found large amounts of marijuana inside of the home. Police said the masked gunmen were able to get away with a large amount of cash. “They both used some type of mask they used a shirt that had holes cut into it,” said Capt. Miller. Police said Shivers was fatally shot during a struggle with the gunmen. That is when police said his step son, Markel Owens, 21, heroically intervened to protect his mother and 16-year-old brother who were also inside of the home, from the gunmen. “I believe he intervened because he saw his step father, just witnessed him get shot and he was perhaps protecting him and his mother,” said Capt. Miller “I think it was heroic what he did. It cost him his life unfortunately.” Police said Shivers’ wife who was also Owens’ mother also suffered a gunshot wound during the robbery. Police said the 37-year-old mother was found lying in the front yard of the home when officers arrived. She was taken to Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, treated for her injuries and released. Officers said the 16-year old son was not injured. Investigators said they are using every resource available to make an arrest. Officers have notified local law enforcement agencies across West Tennessee to be on the look out for the possible suspect’s car described as a white Honda Civic. Officials said because the shooting happened close to Interstate 40, the gunmen could be anywhere. “Obviously these men need to be taken off the streets, I think that they’ve shown they are extremely violent and have no regard for life,” said Capt. Miller. “We definitely want to get them off the streets.” Police said their description of the two gunman is vague. The only information available on the suspects is two black males, wearing dark clothing, with shirts possibly tied around their faces. Again, the gunmen possibly left the scene in a white Honda Civic. Anyone with information that could help officers is asked to call Jackson Police at (731) 425-8400 or Crime Stoppers at (731) 424-TIPS (8477). Submit a cyber tip at jmcrimestoppers.org and click “Web Tips.”
