17-Year-Old Charged in Fatal Jackson Shooting

Authorities arrested Siyaski Crawford in connection with the death of Leonard Banks.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:52pm

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An extreme close-up of a shiny brass shell casing lying on a rough concrete surface, dramatically lit from above by a harsh camera flash, conceptually representing the physical evidence found at the scene of a fatal shooting.The discovery of physical evidence at a violent crime scene exposes the grim realities of gun violence in this Jackson neighborhood.Jackson Today

A 17-year-old has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with a fatal shooting earlier this month in Jackson, authorities said. Siyaski Crawford was taken into custody on Sunday and charged in the death of 33-year-old Leonard Banks, who was shot on April 3 in the 500 block of Cooper Road.

Why it matters

Violent crime, especially involving firearms, is an ongoing concern in Jackson, with the city seeing an increase in homicides in recent years. This arrest highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in addressing gun violence and bringing perpetrators to justice.

The details

According to police, officers responded around 7:56 p.m. on April 3 to a reported shooting at a business on Cooper Road. They found Banks lying on the sidewalk in front of the store with a gunshot wound, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives are continuing to investigate to determine any additional suspects and a motive in the case.

  • The shooting occurred on April 3, 2026.
  • Crawford was arrested on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

The players

Siyaski Crawford

A 17-year-old who has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the shooting death of Leonard Banks.

Leonard Banks

A 33-year-old man who was shot and killed on April 3, 2026 in the 500 block of Cooper Road in Jackson.

Jackson Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the shooting and making the arrest.

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What’s next

The 17-year-old suspect, Siyaski Crawford, will appear in Municipal Court for an initial hearing.

The takeaway

This tragic shooting highlights the ongoing challenges Jackson faces in addressing gun violence and the need for the community to work together with law enforcement to help curb these incidents and bring those responsible to justice.