Milwaukee family raises reward to $10,000 for tips in the 2012 killing of Trell Jackson

Tawanna Jordan has called her brother's 2012 murder a cold case that deserves answers. Now, her family is offering $10,000 for tips leading to an arrest and conviction.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The family of a Milwaukee man killed at a house party more than 13 years ago is now offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case. James "Trell" Jackson was shot and killed on Sept. 22, 2012 — just 16 days after his 33rd birthday. His sister, Tawanna Jordan, is hoping that renewed attention on the case could help move the investigation forward.

Why it matters

Jackson's murder has remained unsolved for over a decade, leaving his family without closure and justice. The increased reward money is an attempt to incentivize people with information to come forward and help solve this cold case, which has taken a heavy emotional toll on his loved ones.

The details

According to Tawanna Jordan, masked men came up to her brother at a house party and killed him. Jordan says the family still does not know who killed her brother or why. They have returned to the site of the shooting multiple times over the years, including on the anniversary of his death, and spent the early years after his killing passing out flyers in the area, but no one has come forward with information. The family believes two people were responsible for the shooting.

  • Jackson was killed on September 22, 2012, just 16 days after his 33rd birthday.
  • The family has been searching for answers for over 13 years since Jackson's murder.

The players

Tawanna Jordan

Trell Jackson's sister, who is leading the effort to solve his murder and find justice for her brother.

Trell Jackson

A 33-year-old Milwaukee man who was shot and killed at a house party in 2012.

Semaj Jackson

Trell Jackson's daughter, who was born after his death and has never met her father.

James Jackson

Trell Jackson's son, who was also born after his father's death.

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What they’re saying

“We had a real close relationship. Before he passed, we got closer. He would call me every day.”

— Tawanna Jordan, Trell Jackson's sister (tmj4.com)

“They never had a chance to meet their dad, they ask questions about them. They're named after him.”

— Tawanna Jordan, Trell Jackson's sister (tmj4.com)

“I know money talks. If you offer any amount of money, people will talk. We are hoping this will bring the answers we need. It's been almost 14 years and we need justice.”

— Tawanna Jordan, Trell Jackson's sister (tmj4.com)

“I want to know who did this to my daddy.”

— Semaj Jackson (tmj4.com)

“We just want justice for our daddy.”

— Semaj Jackson and James Jackson (tmj4.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing struggle for justice in unsolved murders, the emotional toll it takes on families, and the need for more resources and attention on cold cases in Milwaukee. The increased reward money is a desperate attempt by the Jackson family to finally get the answers and closure they've been seeking for over a decade.