Amari Pollard Sentenced to 43 Years for Virginia Graduation Shooting

Pollard pleads guilty to first-degree murder and firearm charges in the fatal shooting of Shawn Jackson outside a high school graduation ceremony.

Amari Pollard, 20, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and firearm-related charges, receiving a 43-year sentence, with 18 years suspended.
The shooting occurred outside Richmond’s Altria Theater during the Huguenot High School graduation ceremony, resulting in the death of 18-year-old Shawn Jackson and injuries to five others.
Pollard's attack was targeted, stemming from a longstanding dispute with Jackson. The chaos at the scene led to panic attacks and a child being hit by a car.
No charges have been filed in the murder of Jackson's stepfather, Renzo Smith, who was also killed in the incident.
Pollard could be eligible for release in 25 years, following the suspension of part of his sentence.