Tragic Murder of Cheyenne Russell: Tyler Woman Shot and Killed on Same Day She Moved Into Apartment, Police Say
TYLER, Texas — In a heartbreaking and deeply disturbing case, 26-year-old Cheyenne Russell of Nacogdoches was shot and killed on January 6, 2025—the very day she moved into her new apartment in Tyler, Texas. Arrest documents and a detailed affidavit have revealed chilling details surrounding her death, witnessed in part by one of her own children.
The man charged in connection with her murder is 29-year-old Jorian Jackson, Russell’s former boyfriend and the father of one of her children. He had been on the run for over two weeks following the incident but was finally apprehended on Wednesday evening at the Tyler home of his grandparents, Carolyn and Willie Johnson, both 75. They have since been charged with hindering apprehension for allegedly harboring Jackson.
According to the affidavit, Cheyenne had only just moved into the apartment complex located at 9999 Bellwood Lake Road on the morning of January 6. Her roommate, who had also just moved in with her, reported that Jackson arrived that day to drop off Christmas presents for the children. However, tensions quickly escalated when Jackson began questioning Russell about the state of their relationship and why they had broken up following a serious accident he experienced the previous year.
The roommate described their relationship as “tough,” even before the accident, suggesting a troubled history between the two. Around 2 p.m. that day, the roommate noticed Russell lying on the couch with a blanket covering her head. At the time, she assumed Russell was sleeping. It wasn’t until later that Russell’s oldest child approached the roommate, stating, “Mommy is dead.”
The child not only confirmed that an argument had taken place between Jackson and Russell but also heartbreakingly told investigators that “daddy made the red on mommy’s dress,” referring to the bloodstains. When police arrived at the scene, they discovered Russell’s lifeless body on the couch, with a blanket draped over her head and visible blood on her face. She had sustained three gunshot wounds, including one directly between the eyes on the bridge of her nose.
Authorities were able to piece together a disturbing narrative of domestic violence and premeditated murder, witnessed in part by two innocent children who are now in safe care, according to police.
The manhunt for Jorian Jackson stretched more than two weeks before law enforcement located him at his grandparents’ home. The role of Carolyn and Willie Johnson in sheltering Jackson is now under legal scrutiny, with both facing charges for hindering his arrest. Their actions, according to police, delayed justice in a case already marked by emotional trauma and loss.
This case has sent shockwaves through both the Tyler and Nacogdoches communities, with loved ones of Cheyenne Russell expressing their sorrow and outrage. Family members remember her as a loving mother who had dreams of building a better life for herself and her children—dreams that were abruptly and violently cut short.
Cheyenne’s story also sheds light on the urgent issue of domestic violence and the tragic consequences it can have when unaddressed. Advocates and community leaders are now calling for increased awareness and support for victims of intimate partner violence, urging others to speak up before tragedy strikes.
The investigation remains ongoing, but for now, Jackson is behind bars facing a murder charge, while the community mourns a young woman whose life was taken far too soon.
As her family continues to grieve, they ask for privacy and support during this difficult time. A memorial for Cheyenne is expected to be announced soon. Her death serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers many women face at the hands of those closest to them—and the importance of seeking help, speaking out, and pursuing justice.