Tyler Man Pleads Guilty to Reckless Conduct in Deadly Nightclub Shooting

Jaqwaylon Ogechi Pettigrew received a deferred sentence for firing his gun during a fatal incident involving rival gangs.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent shell casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash to create a gritty, investigative aesthetic without any text or symbols.A single spent shell casing from the deadly nightclub shooting serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing gun violence plaguing Tyler's streets.Tyler Today

A 20-year-old Tyler man named Jaqwaylon Ogechi Pettigrew pleaded guilty to deadly conduct and received a deferred sentence for his role in a fatal shooting at a Smith County nightclub in December. Authorities said the incident involved multiple rival gangs and shooters, and Pettigrew fired his gun recklessly into the crowd, though he was not the one who killed his cousin, Aaron Lamar Jackson, during the incident.

Why it matters

Gang-related violence and the use of firearms in public spaces continue to be major public safety concerns in many Texas communities. This case highlights the complex dynamics involved when rival groups clash, and the challenges prosecutors face in determining culpability when multiple parties are involved in a shooting.

The details

Pettigrew pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of deadly conduct, as evidence showed he fired his gun recklessly during the shooting but did not directly cause the death of his cousin, Aaron Lamar Jackson. The state said Pettigrew was trying to defend his cousin by returning fire at the suspected shooter, rather than acting in his role with a gang. Aaron Gordon Johnson, 23, was also arrested and charged with murder in connection to the shooting.

  • The shooting occurred in December at the Valley Blues Club in the 5200 block of County Road 486.
  • Pettigrew was arrested on January 7 for his role in the incident.
  • Pettigrew pleaded guilty and received his deferred sentence on April 16, 2026.

The players

Jaqwaylon Ogechi Pettigrew

A 20-year-old Tyler man who pleaded guilty to deadly conduct and received a deferred sentence for his role in a fatal shooting at a Smith County nightclub.

Aaron Lamar Jackson

Pettigrew's 23-year-old cousin who was shot and killed during the incident at the nightclub.

Aaron Gordon Johnson

A 23-year-old man who was also arrested and charged with murder in connection to the shooting.

Larry Smith

The Smith County Sheriff who stated the shooting involved multiple rival gangs and multiple shooters.

Bryan Jiral

The Smith County Assistant District Attorney who explained the details of Pettigrew's plea deal and potential sentencing.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If Pettigrew violates his probation the DA's office will pursue the maximum sentence of 10 years.”

— Bryan Jiral, Smith County Assistant District Attorney

What’s next

The judge will monitor Pettigrew's compliance with the terms of his deferred sentence over the next 6 years. If he successfully completes probation, the charges against him could be dismissed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of gang violence and the use of firearms in public spaces, as well as the difficult decisions prosecutors must make when determining appropriate charges and sentences for individuals involved in complex, multi-party shooting incidents.