Aaron Lamar Jackson dies in fatal Tyler, Texas shooting

Aaron Lamar Jackson dies in fatal Tyler, Texas shooting

Fatal Tyler, Texas shooting death of Aaron Lamar Jackson – Obituary

Aaron Lamar Jackson, a 23-year-old man from Tyler, lost his life following a deadly shooting early Sunday morning outside a crowded nightclub in Smith County, according to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were dispatched to the Valley Blues Club on County Road 486, just north of Tyler, around 2:45 a.m., where they encountered a disorderly and overwhelming scene as hundreds of people attempted to leave the area. Authorities said gunfire erupted during the gathering, leaving multiple victims injured.

Aaron Lamar Jackson was transported to a hospital by a private vehicle, where he later died from his injuries. Another 23-year-old man, identified as Aaron Jordan Johnson Jr., was also wounded in the incident. Officials reported that Johnson was initially listed in critical condition but has since improved and is now considered to be in fair condition.

During a Monday press briefing, Sheriff Larry Smith stated that investigators believe the shooting was connected to gang activity. Evidence collected at the scene included multiple types of shell casings, damaged vehicles struck by bullets, and recovered projectiles, suggesting more than one shooter was involved. Additional firearms were seized through subsequent search warrants, and an autopsy on Jackson has been completed as part of the ongoing investigation.

Sheriff Smith emphasized that the violence was not being attributed to the nightclub itself, noting that confrontations can escalate when rival gangs converge in one location. He stressed the importance of addressing gang-related crime throughout Smith County.

In a statement released before the news conference, representatives of the Valley Blues Club expressed sorrow over the incident, offering condolences to the victims’ families and the community. The club stated that trained security personnel were on duty but that the situation escalated beyond their ability to control it.

The establishment also announced plans to introduce a membership-only policy in an effort to enhance safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.