HUMBOLDT, Tenn.
— A man from Tennessee has been convicted for a shooting incident that resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left another seriously injured during a high school basketball game three years ago.
Jadon Hardiman, 21, was pronounced guilty on multiple charges, including second-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, and firearms-related offenses, as stated by district attorney Frederick Agee. He could face a maximum sentence of 76 years when he is sentenced in April.
The incident occurred on November 30, 2021, during a basketball match between Humboldt and North Side high schools, where Hardiman, then just 18 years old, entered the crowded concession area with a semi-automatic .40 caliber handgun.
According to prosecutors, he fired at least three shots directed at Justin Pankey, a 21-year-old who had previously played for the Humboldt basketball team.
Pankey was struck once and succumbed to his injuries in a matter of seconds, as remarked by Agee. A bullet also struck Xavier Clifton, another former student and basketball player from North Side, who was waiting in line for refreshments. Clifton was shot in the neck, leading to paralysis, and ultimately passed away in March 2022.
Additionally, a third individual was hit in the back of the head but managed to survive the attack.
Agee highlighted that Hardiman’s reckless actions instilled significant fear among numerous spectators, evidenced by video recordings that captured people rushing into the gym, bathrooms, and other areas of the school in an attempt to escape the chaos.
After the shooting, Hardiman fled the scene and returned to Jackson, discarding the firearm during his escape, according to the district attorney’s statement. The U.S. Marshals Service reached out to his family, resulting in his arrest the following day.
Agee expressed concern over the traumatic experience, stating that the shooting caused alarm among all attendees, including adults, students, and children, who were simply there to cheer for their team and enjoy the game.