Jockeyus Wright

Jockeyus Wright was a 17-year-old known for his funny, friendly, and outgoing personality. An aspiring rapper from Jackson, Mississippi, who went by names like "Oso Da Trapper," he was focused on his music and worked at a local Burger King. Friends and family remembered him as a real and consistent person with an outspoken nature.

On the afternoon of May 22, 2019, Jockeyus, a Black male, was walking east on McDowell Road in South Jackson when he was shot and killed. The shooting took place near Woodbine Street, and responding officers found him lying in the middle of the roadway. The Hinds County Coroner confirmed he died from gunshot wounds.

The Jackson Police Department immediately began an investigation into the homicide. Detectives obtained surveillance video from a nearby gas station that showed a light-colored car with damage to the front, driver's-side bumper. The video captured the vehicle and individuals believed to be involved in the shooting, which helped investigators identify suspects.

Within days, the investigation led to an arrest. On May 25, 2019, police took 17-year-old Stephan Champion into custody and charged him with murder. Investigators also identified a second suspect, 16-year-old Charles Willis, and announced they were searching for him. By June 11, Willis had also been arrested and charged with murder in connection with Jockeyus Wright’s death.

The case proceeded through the Hinds County court system, bringing both teenagers to justice. Charles Willis was the first to be tried and was convicted of murder in 2022. He was sentenced to serve 27 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. According to the District Attorney, the shooting stemmed from a prior dispute between Willis and Wright.

In February 2023, as his trial was scheduled to begin, Stephan Champion pleaded guilty to murder for his role in the killing. He was sentenced to 40 years in prison with 24 years to serve, followed by five years of post-release supervision. As of February 2023, both individuals responsible for Jockeyus Wright's death have been convicted and sentenced.