On the morning of March 31, 2021, the body of 18-year-old Jeffery Downs Jr. was found near playground equipment in Battlefield Park in Jackson, Mississippi. Shots had been heard in the neighborhood earlier that morning, and the Hinds County coroner confirmed Downs died of multiple gunshot wounds; his death was ruled a homicide.

Police cordoned off the 600 block of W. Porter Street and conducted interviews with residents, but no immediate suspects were identified. The killing was recorded as Jackson’s 36th homicide of the year, amid a broader rise in violence the city had been experiencing.

Detectives asked anyone with information to contact the Jackson Police Department or CrimeStoppers. If anyone knew Jeffery Downs Jr., saw activity in Battlefield Park that morning, or has other information that could help, please come forward and share what is known.