US Navy sailor charged with murder in fatal shooting aboard USS John F. Kennedy

Published Aug 20, 01:19 PM UTC

Aviation Boatswain's Mate Jayjrion L. Rodriguez, a sailor assigned to the USS John F. Kennedy, has been charged with murder and manslaughter in the shooting death of Boatswain's Mate Seaman Jesse Braswell on June 6, 2026. The incident occurred while both were serving as part of the ship's in-port security forces. Rodriguez allegedly pointed his service pistol at Braswell's head and shot him. He was placed in pre-trial confinement, released on June 11, and formally charged on July 29. In addition to murder, Rodriguez faces charges of simple assault and reckless endangerment for unlawfully pointing his loaded pistol at others in February and May. The Navy's investigation is ongoing. The USS John F. Kennedy, a Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier, has since completed acceptance sea trials despite delays.