2 Convicted in Pontiac Drive-By Shooting That Killed 7-Year-Old Girl

Prosecutors say the suspects were members of a local gang.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 1:39pm

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Two men, JaJuan McDonald and Justin Rouser, have been convicted of the murder of 7-year-old Ariah Jackson, who was fatally shot outside her Pontiac, Michigan home in March 2022. Prosecutors claim the suspects were members of the 4-Block gang.

Why it matters

The tragic death of a young child in a drive-by shooting highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence and gang activity in some urban communities. This case underscores the need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of such violence and protect innocent lives.

The details

Ariah Jackson had just arrived home from school on March 18, 2022 and was inside a vehicle in the driveway of her home when prosecutors say JaJuan McDonald, 21, fired shots at it from another car driven by Justin Rouser, 23. Ariah's mother and three other children were in the car at the time, but only Ariah was struck and killed. McDonald and Rouser were each convicted of one count of first-degree murder, four counts of assault with intent to murder, and five counts of felony firearm.

  • Ariah Jackson was fatally shot on March 18, 2022.
  • McDonald and Rouser were convicted on January 28, 2026.
  • Sentencing review hearings are slated for March 3 and March 10, 2026.

The players

JaJuan McDonald

A 21-year-old man convicted of first-degree murder, four counts of assault with intent to murder, and five counts of felony firearm in the drive-by shooting that killed 7-year-old Ariah Jackson.

Justin Rouser

A 23-year-old man convicted of first-degree murder, four counts of assault with intent to murder, and five counts of felony firearm in the drive-by shooting that killed 7-year-old Ariah Jackson.

Ariah Jackson

A 7-year-old girl who was fatally shot in a drive-by shooting outside her home in Pontiac, Michigan.

Karen McDonald

The Oakland County Prosecutor who stated that Ariah Jackson was "denied the life ahead of her" and that the convictions hold her killers accountable.

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What they’re saying

“Ariah Jackson was denied the life ahead of her. This conviction holds her killers accountable, but it will not bring Ariah back or heal the grief felt by her loved ones. We have lost too many children to guns. We owe it to Ariah and all victims of gun violence to finally address this public health crisis.”

— Karen McDonald, Oakland County Prosecutor (CBS News)

What’s next

Sentencing review hearings for JaJuan McDonald and Justin Rouser are scheduled for March 3 and March 10, 2026, where the judge will decide whether to sentence them to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the devastating impact of gun violence and gang activity on innocent lives, especially children. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of such violence and protect vulnerable communities.