MEMPHIS, Tenn — A 21-year-old is facing two counts of second-degree murder, along with additional charges in connection to the deadly 2021 shooting at Humboldt High School.
After a three-day jury trial that ended on Nov. 20, Jadon Hardiman was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, carrying a weapon on school property with the intent to go armed, and aggravated assault.
Hardiman will be sentenced on April 7, 2025, and is facing a maximum sentence of 76 years.
In December 2021, Hardiman previously pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, attempted murder, and weapons charges in the shooting that killed 21-year-old Justin Kevon Pankey. He died at the scene. A third victim was injured and released from the hospital.
Police received a call about 8:20 p.m. November 30, 2021, about shots fired at Humboldt High School. According to a statement posted on Facebook by Humboldt City Schools, the shooting happened during a basketball game as Humboldt High School was playing North Side High School from Jackson, Tennessee.
Investigators said they identified Hardiman from video from the school. They believe Hardiman and the victims knew each other. They said the two victims who survived were in the "wrong place at the wrong time,” and did not release a motive for the shooting.
Hardiman was arrested December 1st after turning himself in.
