Jackson State student from Chicago shot and killed in Mississippi

JACKSON, Miss. - A Jackson State University student who was from Chicago was fatally shot Sunday at an apartment complex in Mississippi.

Jackson State University canceled classes Monday in the wake of Chicago native Jaylen Burns' death, as police continue the search for his killer. His family from Chicago has spent the last day down in Jackson trying to get answers.

Police have not yet made any arrests, but FOX 32 spoke with Jaylen's father who said the search is on for three men involved in the altercation who are not students.

"We're really pretty much just playing the waiting game," said Jason Burns.

His son, 21-year-old Jaylen was shot and killed at an apartment complex Sunday night near the Jackson State campus. His dad said he had gone there with some friends to protect one of their fraternity brothers who was going through a break-up with his girlfriend.

"She ended up calling three guys to come over there saying that she got hit, and a fight ensued and within seconds someone pulled out a gun, fired it, and Jaylen got hit right above the heart," said Jason Burns.

Jaylen was pronounced dead at the hospital a short time later.

"That's something that you can't even fathom," said Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wad. "That you send your child off to college, especially as far from Chicago as Jackson, Mississippi, and that child loses their life."

Before enrolling at JSU as an Industrial Technology major, Jaylon grew up in Richton Park and Country Club Hills, and graduated from Hillcrest High School, where he was captain of the football team and a straight-A student.

"He was the type of kid we didn't have to go to parent-teacher conferences because he always had all A's and he never gave a teacher a problem. Not once," said Jason Burns. "We want someone to get caught. We want these guys to pay for it."

Funeral arrangements are in limbo right now as authorities in Jackson continue their investigation. Jason Burns said the family is eager to return Jaylen to the south suburbs so they can lay him to rest.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Jaylen’s family, friends and all those who knew him. He was an ambitious and bright young man, who believed in being of service as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and president of the C100 Chapter at JSU, an affiliate of the 100 Black Men of America," JJSU Acting President Dr. Elayne H. Anthony said in a statement.

Jackson State University is offering grief support to affected students, faculty and staff.