Drexel Student Jackson Roberts Arrested for Attempted Murder in Philly Shooting

Drexel Student Jackson Roberts Arrested for Attempted Murder in Philly Shooting

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A 22-year-old Drexel University student now faces a $2 million bail and an attempted murder charge after a man was shot in the head at a house party in North Philadelphia, an outcome that has thrust one of the city’s largest universities into the middle of a violent crime investigation, 6ABC reported.

Philadelphia police arrested Jackson Roberts on Monday in connection with the shooting on the 900 block of West Dauphin Street, which occurred around 9 a.m. — NBC10 puts the police response at about 9:20 a.m. — leaving a 22-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the head, according to the District Attorney’s Office and NBC Philadelphia. Drexel confirmed to both outlets that Roberts is a student at the university.

What happened on West Dauphin Street

According to sources at the DA’s Office, Roberts was at a friend’s house with a group that included the victim. At some point, Roberts allegedly pulled a gun from a fanny pack and shot the victim once in the head. Several people in the home — who were allegedly drinking alcohol and taking cocaine, nitrous oxide, and ketamine — did not see the actual shooting, the sources said.

Drexel student arrested after allegedly shooting man in head in North Philadelphia: DA Sources

When police arrived, Roberts was found standing alone in the backyard, and all the witnesses pointed to him as the shooter. Two witnesses allegedly told police they saw Roberts holding the gun immediately after hearing the shot. The victim’s girlfriend told police she was in the living room with the two men at the time but had turned to put a fork into the sink when she heard the shot. When she turned back, she said Roberts was “smiling while holding the gun,” and she could see it was still smoking. She said she saw him lower a gun that “had a brown part” as the victim fell backwards, then ran to get help to stop the bleeding.

Officials say a .45 caliber handgun with a brown handle matching that description was recovered from the kitchen counter. In a post-Miranda statement, Roberts claimed not to remember anything, according to sources.

North philly shooting
Photo: nbcphiladelphia.com

Detectives question seriously injured victim

The victim, who has not been identified, was taken to a nearby hospital and listed in stable condition, NBC10 reported, and he was able to speak with detectives. But the DA’s Office says the damage may be permanent: he has a fractured vertebra in his neck with the projectile still lodged inside, and he could have permanent mobility issues.

Roberts faces attempted murder, aggravated assault, possessing an instrument of crime, simple assault, and recklessly endangering another person, according to NBC10. His bail has been set at $2 million.

How Drexel is responding

Drexel University said in a statement that it is “taking measures consistent with its policies and is cooperating with law enforcement.” The university has not said publicly what those measures are, and it remains unclear what led up to the shooting — the investigation is active and ongoing, NBC10 reported.

The arrest of a Drexel University student in connection with a shooting in North Philadelphia has resulted in a $2 million bail.

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