Teen Daily Jackson's Family Speaks Out After Murder Charges Announced

NEW HAVEN, CT —In a heartbreaking yet powerful news briefing where police announced the arrest of a teenager charged with murder and held on $5 million bail, the family of Daily Jackson, 17, a beloved son, grandson, brother, friend, and Riverside Academy student, bared their souls, shared their grief and expressed their thankfulness to police for "justice," but also, spoke about forgiveness.

Jackson, described as a "beautiful, productive young person," involved in the city's Youth @ Work program by New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, was fatally shot Dec. 3, 2024.

Five weeks after, New Haven police Detective Thomas Blaisdell of the Major Crimes Unit, secured an arrest warrant for Tremaine Poole, 17, who was arraigned on murder and three related gun possession charges Wednesday, police spokesperson Christian Bruckhart said.

New Haven Chief of Police Karl Jacobson said that other arrests in the case are expected.

"There's nothing we can do can bring back Daily," Jacobson said. "The city has lost two victims to gun violence."

At Wednesday's news briefing, police officials, Elicker and New Haven Public Schools Superintendent Madeline Negrón spoke about Jackson, and the arrest.

"He was a beautiful child. The community has had a really hard time with this loss ...and people want to get a sense of justice," Negrón said. "To all our young people ...you know we are here for you. Please, please ask for help. Ask for help. But please, let's stop the violence."

Jackson's family speaks out

Aunt Jaychelle Jackson:

"We are hurting. But we are one. Daily was raised with love. He was loved," she shared. "And I pray for this young man because he needs help. He needs prayer, too. He needs guidance, too. Despite all these broken people, I still forgive him. Violence is not the way. From this point ... we move on ...in this new reality. And we stand on love."

Eldest sister Curnijah Howard:

"I have a broken heart. My heart is broken," she said. "To Daily's friends: I don't want you guys out here in these streets... We gotta turn this pain to something positive. Change this cycle. I hate this for us. I'll never get over this, but I still don't hate the person who did this."

Mother Nikkia Howard:

"I had a fear. It's a mother's fear to have boys because of all the stuff that's going on around us," she said through tears. "To wake up and get that call ..."

Grandmother Theresa Howard:

"I will forgive but …people blame the police. No. We need to do better with our children. There's no love in the street. This is horrible. I wake up crying. Whoever is raising the kids, we need to do a better job."