PCSD: Man fatally shot uncle during argument at grandmother’s home

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - A man is facing a second-degree murder charge in connection with his uncle’s death at a Pima County home late Sunday, March 31.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said Earl Jackson, 52, was found dead at a home in the 5400 block of South Oriole Avenue.

The PCSD said 27-year-old Francisco Fernando Ornelas, Jackson’s nephew, was arrested.

According to court documents, Ornelas’ grandmother called 911 and was crying.

Ornelas told investigators he had visited his grandmother and had been there for nine to 10 hours.

Ornelas claimed that twice during that time, Jackson had gotten into his face. He said he let it slide the first time but warned Jackson about doing it again.

Ornelas claimed Jackson swung at him during the second incident and he was able to duck before pulling a gun from his back pocket and firing three times.

Ornelas allegedly said he did it to protect himself but admitted he did not believe it was justified.

The grandmother told investigators she had asked Ornelas to stop causing problems and to take the gun he had out of the home before the shooting. She said Ornelas told her he had to the firearm to solve problems.

She also said Jackson left the home a bit before the shooting but came back. He then went straight to his room but Ornelas went and kicked the door open.

She said Jackson tried to push Ornelas out of the room and she tried to break it up. She said she was pushed out of the way seconds before the gun was fired.

The grandmother’s husband told investigators Ornelas was antagonizing Jackson all day.

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