A Michigan jury has convicted a 28-year-old man of first-degree murder after prosecutors said he opened fire on a vehicle carrying several people who had arrived at a Flint home to feed abandoned puppies, killing a 22-year-old mother who was sitting in the back seat.
Alexander James Aydelotte was found guilty of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder, and three counts of felony firearm in connection with the fatal shooting of Diamonique Jackson, according to the Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office.
He is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 24 and faces the possibility of life in prison.
Shooting Followed Visit to Feed Puppies
According to prosecutors, the shooting occurred on the evening of March 28, 2025, at a home in the 1800 block of Gilmartin Street in Flint, Michigan.
Earlier that day, a man who had previously lived at the residence with Aydelotte’s brother had dropped off several puppies at the house.
He returned later that evening with other people to feed the animals.
When the group arrived, the man noticed that a door to the house was open even though it had previously been closed.
Concerned that something might be wrong, he chose not to enter the residence.
Instead, he turned around and walked back toward the vehicle where the others were waiting.
Prosecutors Say Aydelotte Opened Fire
According to prosecutors, Aydelotte had gone to his brother’s house that evening wearing body armor because the property had been vandalized several times in the weeks leading up to the shooting.
Authorities said Aydelotte claimed he was there to “secure” the home.
As the man returned to the vehicle after deciding not to enter the house, Aydelotte allegedly stepped onto the front porch and began firing multiple shots toward the occupied vehicle.
Diamonique Jackson, who was sitting in the back seat, was struck twice by the gunfire.
She died from her injuries.
The two other occupants of the vehicle survived, leading prosecutors to file two attempted murder charges.
Suspect Claimed Self-Defense
When police arrived at the scene, officers found Aydelotte with his hands raised.
He told investigators that he acted in self-defense.
According to prosecutors, Aydelotte later claimed he believed he had seen a firearm inside the vehicle before opening fire.
However, investigators said no weapon was ever recovered from the vehicle.
Prosecutor Rejects Self-Defense Claim
Following the conviction, Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said the evidence clearly showed that Jackson was an innocent victim.
Leyton said Jackson had been sitting in the back seat of the vehicle and had no involvement in any dispute connected to the property.
He stated that putting on body armor, arming oneself, and firing into a vehicle occupied by multiple people did not constitute self-defense, adding that the jury recognized those actions led directly to Jackson’s death.
Young Mother Remembered by Family
Jackson’s obituary described her as a caring young woman who loved spending time with her family and friends.
According to her family, she enjoyed dancing, singing, trying new restaurants, and making memories with those closest to her.
She was remembered as loving, dependable, playful, and sometimes feisty.
Jackson also leaves behind a young daughter.
Sentencing Scheduled
Following his convictions for first-degree murder, attempted murder, and firearm-related offenses, Aydelotte is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 24.
He faces a sentence that could keep him in prison for the rest of his life.
