Former JSU Student on Trial in Roommate Killing

Authorities have a person of interest in custody after a student was found shot to death in a campus parking lot.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing on the asphalt of a campus parking lot, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the gritty details of a campus crime investigation.The discovery of a student's body in a campus parking lot has left the JSU community searching for answers and grappling with concerns about safety and mental health resources.Jackson Today

A former Jackson State University student is on trial, accused of killing his roommate in a campus dormitory. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities withholding the victim's name as they process the crime scene and gather more information about the circumstances surrounding the student's death.

Why it matters

Campus safety and mental health resources for students are major concerns, as this tragic incident has left the JSU community shaken and searching for answers about what led to the killing.

The details

According to Jackson State President Thomas Hutson, the body of the JSU student was found in a Dodge Challenger parked in the Tiger World lot near Campbell and Dickson residential halls. Investigators have a person of interest in custody, but have not released the victim's name. The lack of information in the initial hours after the discovery left some students feeling unsafe and concerned about the situation on campus.

  • The body was discovered on Friday morning in the campus parking lot.
  • Authorities have been processing the crime scene and investigating throughout the day.

The players

Thomas Hutson

The president of Jackson State University, who provided initial details about the incident to the media.

Randall Smith

The former JSU student who is on trial for the killing of his roommate.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are continuing to process the crime scene and gather more information about the circumstances surrounding the student's death. The person of interest is currently in custody, and the trial for the former JSU student accused of the killing is underway.

The takeaway

This tragic incident on the JSU campus has raised concerns about student safety and the need for better mental health resources and support for students who may be struggling. The investigation is still unfolding, but the community is grappling with the loss of a young life and the broader implications for campus security and student well-being.