A university student in Pennsylvania has been accused of shooting a man in the neck inside a residence occupied by several acquaintances, allegedly while “smiling” as he held the firearm.
Jackson Roberts, 22, faces charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault, possession of an instrument of crime with intent, simple assault, and recklessly endangering another person, according to Philadelphia County court records. He is currently held at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility on a $2 million bond.
According to the Philadelphia Police Department, the incident took place on Monday at approximately 9 a.m. at a residence located in the 900 block of West Dauphin Street in northern Philadelphia. Roberts has been identified as a student at Drexel University, a fact confirmed by both his LinkedIn profile and the institution itself.
At the time of the incident, Roberts was present at a friend’s residence along with several other individuals. Reports indicate that alcohol and drugs , including cocaine and ketamine , were being consumed at the gathering.
A woman present at the scene stated that she was in the living room alongside Roberts and her boyfriend, who would become the victim. She recalled briefly turning toward the sink to place a fork when she heard a gunshot. Roberts had allegedly retrieved a firearm from a fanny pack and discharged it once at the other man.
Upon turning back around, the woman reported seeing Roberts “smiling while holding the gun,” with visible smoke still rising from the weapon. She further observed Roberts lowering the firearm as her boyfriend fell backward.
Authorities noted that no other individuals in the residence directly witnessed the shooting, although two witnesses confirmed seeing Roberts in possession of the gun immediately following the sound of the gunshot.
Emergency services were contacted, and upon arrival, officers discovered Roberts standing alone in the backyard of the property. He was taken into custody and reportedly claimed to have no recollection of the events.
Officers also located the victim, who was suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a nearby medical facility and was subsequently listed in stable condition.
According to the Philadelphia County District Attorney’s Office, the victim sustained a fractured vertebra in his neck, and a projectile remains lodged within his body. Physicians have indicated that he may face permanent mobility complications as a result of his injuries. He has no affiliation with Drexel University.
Law enforcement officials recovered a .45-caliber handgun from the kitchen counter of the residence. No motive for the alleged attack has been publicly announced at this time.
Drexel University issued a statement confirming that it “is taking measures consistent with its policies and is cooperating with law enforcement.”
Roberts appeared for a preliminary arraignment on Tuesday and is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on November 20.
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