Lexington, October 3, 2025
News Summary
In Lexington, an 18-year-old man, Jaycion Higgins, has been charged for a shooting that injured two teenagers. A separate incident led to the arrest of Jon’tay Mattingly, who is accused of shooting a municipal worker at a bus stop. The victim, Stephon Vanzant, remains in critical condition. Authorities are also searching for Jermaine Shanks, connected to the bus stop attack, and another woman, Keaira Pennie, has been charged with murder in a related shooting incident. Community involvement is crucial to tackling the rising gun violence.
Lexington – An 18-year-old man from Lexington, Jaycion Higgins, was charged in connection with a shooting that injured two teenagers on August 18. Higgins faces assault charges stemming from the incident that took place on Chestnut Ridge Drive. According to police reports, at least three individuals, including Higgins, fired shots during the shooting, which left two teenage victims injured. Following the incident, Higgins reportedly sent a text message regarding the shooting shortly before police were alerted to the situation. He is currently being held at the Fayette County Jail.
In a separate shooting incident, a 20-year-old man, Jon’tay Mattingly, was arrested and charged after allegedly shooting a man at a bus stop on Winburn Drive. The victim, identified as Stephon Vanzant, remains in critical condition at UK Hospital after suffering a gunshot wound to the head. Court documents reveal that Mattingly was wearing an ankle monitor due to his probation status for a previous robbery case. Despite facing murder charges last year in the death of 17-year-old Kenlon Johnson, he was not indicted by a grand jury. Mattingly is charged with first-degree assault, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, three counts of wanton endangerment, criminal mischief, and tampering with physical evidence. During his court appearance, Mattingly requested an affordable bond to retain his job, but the judge set his bond at $85,000 full cash. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on September 29.
The bus stop shooting occurred on September 18 while Vanzant was on duty, working in the city’s Division of Waste Management. The incident took place near Winburn and McCullough drives during his break. Mattingly was arrested the day following the shooting on September 19, and it is alleged that he used a fully automatic handgun. Authorities are also searching for another suspect, Jermaine Shanks, who is wanted on charges of first-degree assault and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon related to the same incident.
In addition to the two recent shootings, a 30-year-old woman named Keaira Pennie was charged with murder after a man died from gunshot wounds following a shooting on Bryan Station Road on August 10. The victim, 42-year-old Edwin Haddix, succumbed to his injuries later at a hospital. This death has been labeled a suspected homicide by authorities.
Authorities are urging the public to provide information on Jermaine Shanks’ whereabouts to assist with his capture. Community involvement can play a crucial role in addressing the ongoing issues of gun violence in Lexington.
Key Incident Summary
- Jaycion Higgins: charged in a shooting hurting two teens.
- Jon’tay Mattingly: arrested for shooting at a bus stop; victim in critical condition.
- Stephon Vanzant: bus stop shooting victim, on-duty municipal worker.
- Jermaine Shanks: wanted for involvement in bus stop shooting.
- Keaira Pennie: charged with murder after a shooting on Bryan Station Road.
Background Context
Both incidents in Lexington highlight concerns about youth safety and the prevalence of gun violence in the community. The legal proceedings involving both Higgins and Mattingly are ongoing, contributing to a growing conversation about the need for preventative measures to ensure public safety. The police department continues to encourage community engagement to help reduce violence and solve ongoing cases.
FAQs
Who is Jaycion Higgins?
Jaycion Higgins is an 18-year-old man charged in connection with a shooting incident that injured two teenagers in Lexington.
What happened at the bus stop shooting?
A man named Stephon Vanzant was critically injured by a gunshot while on duty, and Jon’tay Mattingly has been arrested in connection with the incident.
How is the community responding to these incidents?
Authorities are encouraging community members to provide information that may assist in solving these violent crimes and address the broader issue of gun violence in Lexington.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident 1: Shooting on Chestnut Ridge Drive | Higgins charged, two teenagers injured. |
| Incident 2: Bus Stop Shooting | Mattingly arrested, victim in critical condition. |
| Suspect at Large | Jermaine Shanks wanted for charges related to the bus stop shooting. |
| Recent Murder Charge | Keaira Pennie charged with murder after a shooting on Bryan Station Road. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community Mobilizes in Lexington to Combat Gun Violence
Ja’Zarion Robinson Shot and Killed in Lexington Homicide
Lexington Teen Ja’Zarion Robinson Shot and Killed
Tragic Shooting Claims Life of 19-Year-Old in Lexington
Rising Gun Violence Challenges Lexington Community
Series of Shooting Incidents Leaves One Injured in Lexington
Multiple Shooting Incidents Under Investigation in Lexington
Multiple Shooting Incidents Under Investigation in Lexington
Shooting Incident Investigated by Lexington Police
Shooting Incidents Spark Concerns in Lexington
Additional Resources
- WKYT News
- LEX18 News
- Kentucky.com
- Fox 56 News
- LEX18 News – Teen Indicted
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- Google Search: South Lexington Crime
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence Prevention
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Control
- Google News: Lexington Shooting
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
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