Violence at Jackson Apartment Complex Raises Safety Concerns

City leaders weigh options after two deadly shootings at Pine Ridge Gardens

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:39am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a spent shell casing, capturing the stark, gritty details of the crime scene at Pine Ridge Gardens through dramatic lighting and a stark black background.The aftermath of violence at a Jackson apartment complex exposes the challenges of balancing public safety and housing access.Jackson Today

Violence at a Jackson, Mississippi apartment complex called Pine Ridge Gardens has raised new concerns among city leaders and residents following multiple deadly incidents in recent weeks, including two shootings that left 18-year-old Trevarius Cooper and 20-year-old Jakori Smith dead. City officials acknowledge families are worried about safety but say options are limited due to a lack of available housing in the area.

Why it matters

The violence at Pine Ridge Gardens highlights ongoing challenges with public housing and community safety in Jackson, where officials must balance improving conditions at the complex with avoiding the displacement of residents who have limited housing options.

The details

Police responded to two separate fatal shootings at Pine Ridge Gardens just days apart in March. On March 18, 18-year-old Trevarius Cooper was found shot outside an upstairs unit, and less than a week later, 20-year-old Jakori Smith was found shot on a sidewalk and later died. City officials say new investors, community members, and law enforcement are working together to try to improve conditions at the complex, but they acknowledge that shutting it down could leave residents without housing.

  • On March 18, Trevarius Cooper was found shot outside an upstairs unit at Pine Ridge Gardens.
  • Less than a week later, on March 24, Jakori Smith was found shot on a sidewalk at Pine Ridge Gardens and later died.

The players

Trevarius Cooper

An 18-year-old who was found shot outside an upstairs unit at Pine Ridge Gardens on March 18.

Jakori Smith

A 20-year-old who was found shot on a sidewalk at Pine Ridge Gardens on March 24 and later died.

Kevin Parkinson

The Ward 7 Councilman in Jackson, Mississippi who says the city's housing stock is very limited and they do not have the capacity to shut down apartment complexes unless absolutely necessary.

Pine Ridge Gardens

A federally subsidized apartment complex in Jackson, Mississippi that has seen multiple violent incidents, including two deadly shootings in March.

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What they’re saying

“Jackson's housing stock is very limited and so we do not have the extra capacity to be shutting down apartment complex unless absolutely necessary. There may come a point where that is necessary and if so, we'll explore that option.”

— Kevin Parkinson, Ward 7 Councilman

What’s next

City leaders say efforts will continue to focus on increasing safety at Pine Ridge Gardens while avoiding the displacement of residents.

The takeaway

The violence at Pine Ridge Gardens highlights the difficult balance city officials in Jackson must strike between improving public safety and preserving affordable housing options for residents in a community with limited housing stock.