Pennsylvania – In a horrifying incident in Pennsylvania, a 33-year-old woman, identified as L. Jardine, was shot and killed with her own firearm while trying to break up a fight between a 45-year-old man, identified as J. Kelly, and his girlfriend outside a store. Kelly is now facing multiple criminal charges, including voluntary manslaughter, in connection to the fatal shooting of Jardine.
Kelly, who was initially charged with murder, had his charges reduced after prosecutors reviewed new video evidence and witness accounts. In addition to the manslaughter charge, he is also facing counts of tampering with evidence and gun-related offenses. Authorities say neither Kelly nor Jardine had a license to carry a firearm. The incident unfolded just before 6 p.m. on a Friday evening, outside the store on 12th and Chestnut Streets. According to surveillance footage and statements from DA J. Hojnowski, Kelly was involved in a heated argument with his girlfriend, wielding a screwdriver in his hand. Jardine, who was passing by, decided to intervene in an apparent attempt to de-escalate the situation.
The victim’s mother explained that her daughter had stepped in because she saw someone in need of help. She believed Lauren was likely trying to intervene by telling the man to “leave her alone” and stop bothering his girlfriend. The situation quickly escalated. Authorities say Jardine, who was carrying a gun illegally, drew her weapon, prompting a struggle between her and Kelly. During the physical altercation, Kelly managed to gain control of the firearm.
Cell phone and surveillance video reportedly captured the violent sequence of events that followed. As Kelly stood over Jardine, who had fallen to the ground, he fired the weapon multiple times. At one point during the struggle, Jardine reportedly grabbed for Kelly’s screwdriver, and he allegedly told her, “put it down,” before shooting again. According to the arrest affidavit, Kelly later disposed of the gun by placing it inside a mailbox. Jardine was rushed to a nearby hospital, but despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead shortly after. Kelly was arrested by a SEPTA officer roughly one block away from the scene.
Jardine had been in the area for a job fair at the time of the shooting. Inside her bag, detectives found job applications, and her mother shared that she was working toward earning certifications in HVAC repair, forklift operation, and a commercial driver’s license. Just last year, Jardine had been recognized by the mayor’s office for completing an adult education program. In a public statement, she shared how past crises—including incarceration—had disrupted her path but expressed hope for a future where she could start her own business.
Kelly, meanwhile, has a documented history with law enforcement. In April, he was charged with criminal trespass, terroristic threats, and harassment following an incident at another location. He was sentenced to probation after pleading guilty in May. A preliminary hearing for the current case is scheduled for September 22. Kelly remains in custody as he awaits further legal proceedings. The fatal shooting of Jardine—a woman attempting to protect another—underscores how quickly violence can spiral, leaving lives shattered and justice in its wake.
