Man Helping Friend Move Shot Dead by Shotgun Blast: Police

Family says they never wanted victim to make the trip to Virginia.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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A 20-year-old Missouri man named Emmanuel Jackson was fatally shot while helping his friend Jaylan Ellis move into a new apartment in Newport News, Virginia. Ellis, 22, told police the shooting was an accident, but Jackson's family believes the involuntary manslaughter charge against Ellis is too lenient.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the risks and dangers that can arise when friends or family members try to help each other with major life events like moving. It also raises questions about gun safety and the appropriate legal charges in cases of accidental shootings.

The details

According to the police report, Ellis had just moved into the apartment 8 days earlier when Jackson arrived to help him. Ellis said he and Jackson were both sitting in armchairs when Jackson brought a shotgun into the room. Ellis put the magazine back into the shotgun without checking if it was clear, then stood up and accidentally shot Jackson in the head. Ellis immediately dropped the gun and called 911, but Jackson was pronounced dead at the hospital.

  • The shooting occurred on January 23, 2026 around 10:46 pm.
  • Ellis is scheduled to appear in court on May 12, 2026.

The players

Emmanuel Jackson

A 20-year-old Missouri man who was fatally shot while helping his friend move.

Jaylan Ellis

A 22-year-old man who lives in Newport News, Virginia and was charged with involuntary manslaughter and discharging a firearm in a building or dwelling after the accidental shooting of his friend Emmanuel Jackson.

Esther Kimbrough

Emmanuel Jackson's aunt, who expressed dissatisfaction with the involuntary manslaughter charge against Ellis.

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What they’re saying

“We never felt comfortable with him going, but being the friend that Emmanuel was, he insisted.”

— Esther Kimbrough, Emmanuel Jackson's aunt (WVEC)

“I believe that charge was too lenient. From what we're knowing and from what we're hearing, more should have been done. The system has failed Emmanuel Jackson.”

— Esther Kimbrough, Emmanuel Jackson's aunt (WVEC)

What’s next

The judge will decide on May 12 whether to allow Jaylan Ellis to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for greater gun safety education and responsible firearm storage, especially when friends or family members are present. It also raises questions about the appropriate criminal charges in cases of accidental shootings, and whether the justice system is doing enough to hold gun owners accountable for negligent behavior that leads to loss of life.