Flint, Michigan — A Michigan man has been convicted of murder after prosecutors said he put on body armor and fired multiple shots into a vehicle, killing a young mother who was simply riding with a group that had returned to feed puppies at a home connected to a family acquaintance.
The jury rejected the defendant’s claim of self-defense, concluding that the shooting was not legally justified.
Jury Finds Man Guilty of Murder and Other Felonies
The Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office announced that Alexander James Aydelotte, 28, was convicted of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder, and three felony firearm charges.
The convictions stem from the March 28, 2025, shooting that claimed the life of 22-year-old Diamonique Jackson.
Aydelotte is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 24 and could receive a life sentence in prison.
Group Had Returned to Feed Puppies
According to prosecutors, Aydelotte went to his brother’s home on Gilmartin Street in Flint that evening after the property had reportedly been vandalized several times in recent weeks.
Authorities said he was wearing body armor because he intended to “secure” the residence.
Earlier that day, a man who had previously lived at the home had dropped off several puppies. He later returned to feed them but decided not to enter the house after noticing that a door, which had previously been closed, was standing open.
As he walked back toward the vehicle where others were waiting, prosecutors said the situation suddenly turned deadly.
Mother Shot While Sitting in Back Seat
Investigators said Aydelotte stepped onto the front porch and opened fire on the vehicle as the group prepared to leave. Diamonique Jackson, who was sitting in the back seat, was struck twice by gunfire.
Despite emergency response efforts, she died from her injuries. The other occupants survived the shooting, leading to the additional attempted murder convictions.
Self-Defense Claim Rejected by Jury
When police arrived, they found Aydelotte with his hands raised outside the home.
Authorities said he claimed he acted in self-defense, telling investigators he believed he had seen a firearm inside the victims’ vehicle.
However, according to prosecutors, investigators never recovered a gun from the vehicle, and the jury ultimately rejected Aydelotte’s version of events.
Following the verdict, Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton emphasized that Jackson was not involved in any dispute connected to the property.
He said the young woman was simply sitting in the back seat when the defendant decided to fire into the vehicle.
Family Remembers Young Mother
The death of Diamonique Jackson left behind grieving family members, including her young daughter.
According to her obituary, Jackson loved dancing, singing, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.
Loved ones remembered her as loving, dependable, funny, and fiercely devoted to her daughter, describing a life cut tragically short by the shooting.
With the guilty verdict now returned, Jackson’s family is expected to attend sentencing later this month as the court determines Aydelotte’s punishment.
What are your thoughts on this case? Do you believe self-defense laws should be applied differently in situations involving shootings at occupied vehicles? Share your opinion in the comments below.
