The Jackson Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting on Azalea Drive where a 68-year-old man allegedly shot his 49-year-old relative in self-defense. Officers discovered the man with a single gunshot wound following what was described as a domestic aggravated assault.

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JACKSON, MS (2-minute read) — A domestic dispute turned deadly on Wednesday evening in Jackson, leaving one man dead and another claiming he had no choice but to fire. At approximately 6:21 p.m. on January 14, Jackson Police officers responded to reports of an aggravated assault in the 3700 block of Azalea Drive. Upon arrival, they discovered 49-year-old Terrance Rucker, who had died from a single gunshot wound.

The shooter, identified by authorities as 68-year-old Frederick Rucker, told investigators that the shooting was an act of self-defense. While the specific nature of the “altercation” between the two relatives has not been fully disclosed, the police have categorized the initial call as an aggravated assault, which often suggests an immediate threat of serious bodily harm was present.

Evaluating Self-Defense in Domestic Scenarios

In Mississippi, self-defense claims are evaluated based on whether a reasonable person would believe that such force was necessary to prevent death or great bodily injury. When an incident involves relatives in a shared or familiar environment, investigators look closely at the history of the relationship and any evidence of an immediate physical struggle. JPD officials confirmed that witnesses were taken to headquarters for interviews to help clarify the events leading up to the gunfire.

As of now, the investigation remains active and ongoing. No formal charges have been announced against Frederick Rucker while detectives work to verify his account of the incident. The Jackson Police Department is asking anyone with further information to contact their homicide unit or Crime Stoppers.

Safety Tip: Domestic disputes are among the most volatile situations a person can face. If a verbal argument begins to escalate toward physical violence, the safest action is to remove yourself from the premises immediately. If you are a firearm owner, remember that using a firearm in self-defense requires a clear, unavoidable threat; de-escalation and exit strategies should always be your first priority to prevent a family tragedy.