Man accused of killing child in drive-by shooting to get psych exam
A Pontiac man accused of killing a young child in a 2022 driveby shooting will be evaluated for competency, a judge ruled this week.
Oakland County Circuit Judge Jacob Cunningham filed the order for a forensic examination for Justin Rouser, 21, as requested by defense attorney Patrick Nyenhuis. Rouser faces 10 charges including first-degree murder and assault with intent to murder in connection with the March 18, 2022 fatal shooting of Ariah Jackson, 7, outside her home in Pontiac. Ariah’s mother, Lashawn Jackson, was also hit by the gunfire and survived.
Just prior to the shooting, according to investigators, Lashawn Jackson had returned home after picking up Ariah and three other children from a school bus stop. A car had followed them, and one person in the car opened fire on Jackson’s car while it was in the driveway. Ariah was shot in the head and pronounced dead at an area hospital. Her mother suffered a grazing wound to the head.
A second defendant, Jajuan McDonald, faces the same 10 charges. His case is scheduled for a status conference in 50th District Court on April 4.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office said Rouser and McDonald are members of “4-Block,” described as a violent street gang.
Also tied to the incident is Daejion Bryant, 23, another purported 4-Block gang member. He was sentenced in January to 120 days in jail for being an accessory after the fact and for lying to a police officer. He pleaded guilty to both charges last December. With credit for time served prior to the sentencing, he was released from the Oakland County Jail on Feb. 26. He’s on probation for two years.
Investigators say they’ve found no evidence that Rouser, McDonald or Bryant knew Ariah or her family.
Rouser’s competency review hearing is scheduled for May 28.