30 Years for murder at neighborhood playground
February 5, 2026
(Jackson, MS) Hinds County District Attorney Jody E. Owens, II, announced today that Nikkifar Allen, 19, has pleaded guilty to Second-Degree Murder for his role in the shooting death of 15-year-old Caden Chapman.
On the evening of March 15, 2023, Chapman was walking a dog near a playground on Agape Drive when he was ambushed by three individuals wielding military-style firearms. Surveillance footage captured the subjects loitering near the playground before all three opened fire. Chapman, who was unarmed, was struck multiple times, including a fatal gunshot wound to the right side of his forehead. He died at the scene. After the shooting, the suspects were seen on video running away from the scene on foot, carrying firearms. Multiple weapons were recovered on the ground at the crime scene. Witnesses identified the three individuals involved, and on March 27, 2023,
Nikkifar Allen, also 15 years old at the time, turned himself in to authorities.
On the third day of trial, Allen entered an open plea to Second-Degree Murder and was sentenced to 40 years, with 10 years suspended and 30 years to serve in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
“As a father of a 15-year-old, this case is heartbreaking. One child lost his life, and another will spend decades in prison, all because of senseless violence carried out with military-style weapons in a neighborhood park,” said District Attorney Jody E. Owens, II. “We must do more to stop young people from turning to guns to solve their problems. Our office remains committed to seeking justice for victims of violent crime and ensuring that those who choose to terrorize our neighborhoods face appropriate consequences under the law.”
15-year-old arrested for Agape Drive homicide
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JODY E. OWENS, II
