Teen will be tried as adult in Jackson double shooting
DOWNTOWN JACKSON — A teenager charged in a July double shooting in Jackson that left one dead will be tried as an adult. Jernigel Blackwell, also known as Jernigel Waller, 17, of Jackson, will be tried as an adult in connection with the shooting at Parkway East Apartments that killed Shomari Peterson, 17, and critically injured another man, according to a release. Blackwell is charged with first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder after he and a co-defendant allegedly shot into a crowd of people. Judge Christy Little determined during a transfer hearing Wednesday in Madison County Juvenile Court that there was sufficient probable cause and that Blackwell can be tried as an adult. Blackwell is being held without bond. The charges against Blackwell and an adult co-defendant, Jakeil Waller, 21, also of Jackson, will next be presented to the Madison County Grand Jury. Both are charged with first-degree murder of Peterson and attempted first-degree murder of a 21-year-old man. Jackson police were called July 27 about two people shot outside Parkway East Apartments at 33 Carver Ave. Peterson was pronounced dead at the scene. The 21-year-old was transported by ambulance to Jackson-Madison County General Hospital and was released days later.
