Tyler man pleads guilty to deadly conduct in nightclub shooting

Jaqwaylon Pettigrew admits to role in Valley Blues Club incident north of Tyler

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:35am

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An extreme close-up of a shiny spent bullet casing resting on a dark surface, conceptually representing the aftermath of a shooting incident at a nightclub.A recent guilty plea highlights the ongoing challenge of preventing violence at local nightlife venues.Tyler Today

A Tyler man accused in a Smith County nightclub shooting has pleaded guilty to deadly conduct in a Smith County courtroom. Jaqwaylon Pettigrew was arrested on January 7 for his involvement in the shooting incident at the Valley Blues Club in the 5200 block of County Road 486 north of Tyler.

Why it matters

Violent crimes at nightclubs and other entertainment venues are an ongoing concern for many communities, with patrons expecting a safe environment. This case highlights the legal consequences for those involved in such incidents.

The details

According to court records obtained by CBS19, Jaqwaylon Pettigrew pleaded guilty to the charge of deadly conduct on Thursday afternoon. He was initially arrested on January 7 for his role in the shooting that took place at the Valley Blues Club north of Tyler.

  • Pettigrew was arrested on January 7 for the incident.
  • He pleaded guilty to deadly conduct on April 17, 2026.

The players

Jaqwaylon Pettigrew

A Tyler man who pleaded guilty to deadly conduct for his involvement in a shooting incident at a nightclub north of Tyler.

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The takeaway

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining safety and security at entertainment venues, and the legal consequences that can result from violent incidents.