19-Year-Old Takes Plea Deal in Brooklyn Homes Mass Shooting

A Baltimore man has accepted a plea deal for his role in the Brooklyn Homes mass shooting, which killed two people and injured 28 others during the Brooklyn Day celebration on July 2, 2023.

Tristan Jackson, 19, admitted prosecutors could prove he fired a gun, either toward seven fleeing individuals or into the air to scare them. As part of the agreement, he faces five to 12 years in prison, with an additional suspended sentence of 25 to 50 years. Sentencing is scheduled for April 29.

Originally charged with seven counts of attempted first-degree murder, Jackson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit first-degree assault, second-degree assault, use of a handgun in a violent crime, and illegal firearm possession. He remains in custody without bail.

The shooting claimed the lives of 18-year-old Aaliyah Gonzalez, a recent high school graduate, and 20-year-old Kylis Fagbemi, a forklift operator. No one has been charged in their deaths.

Jackson was among five defendants in the case, all of whom have now taken plea deals. Prosecutors say Jackson arrived at the event with three others, including Aaron Brown, who admitted to firing a gun. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Brown handing something to Jackson before he fired five shots.

Jackson’s attorney disputes claims that his client fired a gun or drove Brown to the hospital after the shooting.

The Baltimore City Council later held hearings on the incident, and a police report criticized law enforcement for failing to intervene, contributing to the chaos.