Source: Photo courtesy of SheldonTBanks.com / Diamonique Shardai Jackson.
A Genesee County jury has convicted 26-year-old Alexander James Aydelotte of first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Diamonique Shardai Jackson, a Flint, Michigan, mother, according to a press release from Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton.
The verdict, returned on July 28, found Aydelotte guilty of first-degree premeditated murder, two counts of assault with intent to commit murder, and three counts of felony firearm in connection with the March 28, 2025, shooting that claimed Jackson’s life.
Diamonique Shardai Jackson shooting: What happened?
According to prosecutors, the investigation began when Aydelotte was staying at his brother’s residence while wearing a tactical vest and carrying a handgun. He later told investigators he was attempting to “secure” the home after it had recently been vandalized.
That same day, Seth Andis, a former roommate of Aydelotte’s brother, drove to the residence to feed puppies he had dropped off there earlier. According to Leyton’s statement, Andis decided to leave after noticing the lights were on and the front door was open.
As Andis was attempting to leave, evidence presented during the trial showed that Aydelotte “stepped onto the front porch and fired multiple shots” at the vehicle, Leyton said.
Two of the bullets struck Diamonique Shardai Jackson, who was seated in the backseat of the vehicle. She died from her injuries. Andis escaped the scene and flagged down responding police officers.
When officers arrived, they found Aydelotte still wearing his tactical vest. He claimed he had fired the shots in self-defense. Investigators said Aydelotte later told police he believed he had seen a pistol being exchanged between two people before the shooting. However, Leyton said prosecutors presented no evidence during the trial to support that claim.
Jackson was loved deeply.
The jury ultimately rejected Aydelotte’s self-defense argument and found him guilty on all charges.
Jackson, affectionately known as Pie, is remembered by loved ones as a devoted mother, daughter, sister, and friend. According to her obituary, she was the youngest of nine children and a proud member of Family Missionary Baptist Church.
“She loved dancing, singing, and trying new restaurants. Her favorite pastime was enjoying her family and friends and spending time with her daughter,” her obituary noted. “She was loving, goofy, feisty at times, but always dependable. Pie was the family member and friend that if you called, she was on her way.”
The conviction brings the criminal case to a close while honoring the memory of a woman whose family says was deeply loved by those who knew her.
Alexander James Aydelotte is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 24 and faces a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole plus a consecutive two-year term on the felony firearm convictions.
