Family reunion shooter arrested
Bond is $80,000 for Jessie Antwon Smith

Eight weeks of investigation into a shooting which occurred at a family reunion in the Shady Grove Community on FM 2962 has resulted in the arrest of Jessie Antwon Smith, 38 of Rusk, for the murder of James Keon Jordan, 24 of Tyler.

The arrest was made at 10:35 p.m. Wednesday by the Cherokee County Sheriff 's Department.

Mr. Smith was charged with first degree murder and is being held on an $80,000 bond set by Cherokee County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1 Judge Brenda Dominy.

The shooting took place on Aug. 19 at a residence on FM 2962, after a verbal dispute began between several individuals who were leaving the reunion, according to the report.

"During the argument, individuals involved in or near the altercation produced numerous weapons," said Det. Chris White. "At that time, numerous shots were fired striking three individuals, nearby vehicles and the residence."

Deputies were called to the scene, where Mr. Jordan's body was discovered. The two other injured individuals, Mr. Smith and Lonnie Ray Gibson, 47 of Rusk, were treated and released from Trinity Mother Frances Hospital in Jacksonville.

More arrests are expected pending review by the Cherokee County Grand Jury.