On the evening of July 3, 2026, 17-year-old Jazon Javier Fajardo was shot after Gainesville’s First Friday concert and Independence Day fireworks at Midland Greenway. Witnesses say an apparent altercation preceded gunfire; Jazon was able to walk a short distance before collapsing in a parking lot. Officers found him, he was taken to Northeast Georgia Medical Center, and he later died. A second person, believed to be an innocent bystander, was shot in the knee and expected to survive.

Jazon, just shy of his 18th birthday, had recently graduated from Gainesville High School and hoped to work in construction with his father, Rosalio Fajardo, or find another job. His father described him as sociable, kind, commanding and strong. Since his mother’s death several years earlier, he lived with his father; the family has launched an online fundraiser for funeral expenses.

Gainesville police canvassed the area and reviewed extensive public and private surveillance footage. Some people were briefly detained but no arrests have been announced; investigators say several individuals are not cooperating and that motive and the number of shooters remain unclear. Can anyone who was at Midland Greenway that night or who has photos or video help with tips for the investigation?