Jackson, Mississippi Mourns the Loss of Troy Howard Jr. After Fatal Shooting on Gentry Street

Jackson, Mississippi Mourns the Loss of Troy Howard Jr. After Fatal Shooting on Gentry Street

JACKSON, Miss. — The city of Jackson is reeling from the tragic loss of Troy Howard Jr., a 53-year-old man whose life was violently cut short in a fatal shooting on Gentry Street Wednesday afternoon. As family, friends, and community members struggle to process the sudden tragedy, grief hangs heavy over the capital city.

According to the Jackson Police Department (JPD), the incident occurred at approximately 3:41 p.m. on what had begun as a calm and routine afternoon. Multiple 911 calls flooded dispatchers, reporting gunshots in the area. Officers responded swiftly to the scene, located in the 1000 block of Gentry Street, a residential part of the city often known for its quiet character and strong community ties.

When officers arrived, they discovered Troy Howard Jr. suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical services were called immediately, and Howard was transported to the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in critical condition. Despite the efforts of doctors and emergency personnel, he succumbed to his injuries a short time later.

The Jackson Police have launched an active investigation and are pursuing leads to identify and apprehend the shooter. As of Thursday morning, no arrests have been made, and investigators are urging anyone with information, surveillance footage, or eyewitness accounts to come forward. Community cooperation, officials say, could be crucial to bringing justice to Howard’s family.

“We lost a man today—someone’s son, brother, father, or friend,” said a JPD spokesperson during a brief press conference. “This is not just another statistic. This is a person whose absence will be deeply felt.”

Troy Howard Jr. is remembered by loved ones as a quiet, dependable presence in the lives of many. Friends described him as someone who carried himself with humility, always willing to lend a hand or share a kind word. He was known for his deep roots in the Jackson community and for always putting his family first. His death has shaken those who knew him and raised fresh concerns about the persistent issue of gun violence in the city.

Residents in the neighborhood where the shooting occurred expressed disbelief and fear. One neighbor, who asked not to be named, said, “This street is usually peaceful. You never expect something like this to happen in broad daylight, right outside your door. It’s heartbreaking.”

In recent years, Jackson has struggled with a rise in violent crime, and community leaders have been vocal about the need for increased intervention, both from law enforcement and from grassroots organizations seeking to address the root causes of violence. The loss of Troy Howard Jr. adds another painful chapter to a city already grappling with too many such tragedies.

City officials, including members of the Jackson City Council, expressed condolences to the Howard family and emphasized the importance of community solidarity in the face of senseless violence. “We must remain vigilant, and we must remain united,” said one councilmember. “Every life lost is a blow to our community.”

A candlelight vigil is being organized by local residents and faith leaders to honor Troy’s memory. Details are expected to be released in the coming days. Friends and loved ones hope to gather, share stories, and pray for healing while demanding accountability and peace.

As Jackson mourns, the name Troy Howard Jr. joins a sorrowful list of those lost to gun violence—a reminder of the lives behind the headlines and the urgent need to address the cycles of pain in our communities.

Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact Jackson Police Department at (601) 960-1234 or Crime Stoppers at (601) 355-TIPS (8477). Tips can remain anonymous.

Rest in peace, Troy. You are gone, but not forgotten.