A Tennessee man, Jadon Hardiman, has been convicted for his role in a deadly shooting that took place during a high school basketball game in 2021. The 21-year-old was found guilty on charges of second-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, and weapons offenses. The verdict was delivered in Gibson County, and Hardiman now faces a potential prison sentence of up to 76 years.
Details of the Shooting
The tragic incident occurred on November 30, 2021, at Humboldt High School during a basketball game against North Side High School. Hardiman, who was 18 at the time, entered the crowded concession area of the gymnasium armed with a semi-automatic .40-caliber handgun. He fired three shots, targeting 21-year-old Justin Pankey, a former Humboldt basketball player.
Pankey was struck once and died within seconds. Another shot hit 18-year-old Xavier Clifton, a former North Side student and basketball player, in the neck. Clifton was paralyzed and succumbed to his injuries in March 2022. A third shot struck another man in the back of the head, though he survived.
Escape and Capture
Following the shooting, Hardiman fled the scene and drove to Jackson, where he discarded the murder weapon. Authorities tracked him down the next day after the U.S. Marshals Service contacted his family.
Sentencing Scheduled for April
Hardiman’s sentencing is set for April, with the court expected to impose a lengthy prison term. The shooting has left an indelible mark on the community, serving as a grim reminder of the devastation caused by gun violence and its far-reaching consequences.
Community in Chaos
The shooting caused widespread panic as attendees, including children, students, and families, fled the gymnasium seeking safety. District Attorney Frederick Agee described the event as deeply traumatic, saying it terrified everyone present who had come to enjoy a basketball game.
