RICHARDSON, TEXAS — A senseless act of violence has shattered the future of an 18-year-old high school senior and star athlete. Seth Jackson, a straight-A student and basketball player at Richardson High School, was left permanently paralyzed after being shot while attempting to help a friend in a Waffle House parking lot on March 19, 2026.
1. A Heroic Act Turns Tragic
According to his family, Seth was at a Waffle House when he witnessed a friend being attacked by a group of teenagers. In an effort to intervene and assist, Seth was targeted. As he attempted to flee the scene, one of the assailants opened fire, striking him in the back.
The severity of the injuries sustained is devastating:
- Spinal Cord: Shattered, resulting in permanent paralysis from the waist down.
- Internal Injuries: A ruptured lung, a ruptured aorta, and several fractured ribs.
“They said he’ll never walk again,” Seth’s father, James Jackson, told WFAA. “It’s every parent’s nightmare.”
2. A Future Cut Short
Seth Jackson was on the brink of a bright future. A dedicated student who held two jobs while maintaining a perfect GPA, he had recently committed to attending the University of Houston this coming fall. His family had even recently finalized the lease for his new apartment near the campus.
“He’s an athlete, a straight-A student, and a worker,” James Jackson said. “Life changes.”
3. The Search for Justice
While the investigation is ongoing, the path to justice remains complex:
- Current Charges: Charles Webster (17) and Taylor Griffin (18) have been arrested and charged with engaging in organized criminal activity.
- The Shooter: According to James Jackson, the specific individual who fired the weapon that paralyzed his son remains at large. The family continues to appeal for any information that could lead to an arrest.
4. Community Support: GoFundMe Success
The local community has moved swiftly to support the Jackson family as they face the overwhelming reality of Seth’s long-term recovery.
Kit Cohorn, a family friend connected through the Richardson High School basketball program and the First United Methodist Church, launched a GoFundMe campaign to alleviate the financial burden of medical bills, rehabilitation, and home accessibility modifications.
- Progress: As of Monday, March 30, $75,296 has been raised, nearing the $85,000 goal.
- How to Help: Beyond financial contributions, the family has emphasized that their primary request is for prayers—for healing, patience, and peace during what they describe as an “overwhelming” transition.
Seth has survived three intensive surgeries in three days and has since moved out of the ICU. However, he remains hospitalized and will soon be transferred to an inpatient rehabilitation facility to begin the arduous process of adapting to his new life.
Incident Summary
| Metric | Details |
| Date of Incident | March 19, 2026 |
| Location | Richardson, Texas (Waffle House) |
| Victim Status | Permanently paralyzed (waist down) |
| Suspects Arrested | Charles Webster (17), Taylor Griffin (18) |
| Shooter Status | At large |
| GoFundMe Goal | $85,000 |