Inset: Diamonique Jackson (Sheldon T. Banks Funeral Home) and Alexander Aydelotte (Genesee County Jail via WNEM). Background: Home in the 1800 block of Gilmartin Street in Flint, Michigan, where Aydelotte killed Jackson (Google Maps).
A 28-year-old man wearing body armor opened fire on a group of people who drove to a home to feed puppies, killing a woman sitting in the back seat, authorities in Michigan say.
Alexander James Aydelotte was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of 22-year-old Diamonique Jackson, the Genesee County Prosecutor's Office said. He also was convicted of two counts of attempted murder and three counts of felony firearm.
According to prosecutors, Aydelotte donned body armor and went to his brother's house in the 1800 block of Gilmartin Street in Flint on the evening of March 28, 2025. Aydelotte was there to "secure" the home which had been vandalized several times in recent weeks.
Earlier that day, a man who used to live at the home with Aydelotte's brother had dropped off several puppies. He returned that night to feed the dogs but didn't go inside when he saw there was a door open that previously had been closed.
As the man was walking back to the car, Aydelotte stepped onto the front porch and started shooting at the vehicle. Jackson, who was sitting in the back seat, was hit twice. She died.
Cops responded to the home and found the shooter with his hands up. He claimed self-defense. He later told cops he saw a gun in the vehicle but no such weapon was ever located.
"A young woman was sitting in the back seat of a vehicle when this defendant opened fire on it," Prosecutor David Leyton said. "She had nothing to do with any dispute, and she never had a chance. Arming yourself, putting on body armor and firing into a car full of people is not self-defense — it is the decision that took Diamonique Jackson's life, and this jury saw that clearly."
Aydelotte is set to be sentenced on Aug. 24. He faces a life prison sentence.
Jackson leaves behind a young daughter, her obituary said.
"She loved dancing, singing, and trying new restaurants. Her favorite pass time was enjoying her family and friends and spending time with her daughter. She was loving, goofy, feisty at times but always dependable," the obituary stated.