Tyler Man Receives Deferred Sentence in Smith County Nightclub Shooting Case

TYLER, Texas (TXAN 24) — A Tyler man has received a deferred sentence after pleading guilty in connection with a fatal December shooting at a Smith County nightclub.

Jaqwaylon Ogechi Pettigrew, 20, of Tyler, pleaded guilty to deadly conduct in Judge Debby Gunter’s court Thursday afternoon, according to court proceedings.

Authorities said Pettigrew was arrested on Jan. 7 for his role in a shooting at the Valley Blues Club, located in the 5200 block of County Road 486 in Smith County. Officials allege the incident involved reckless firearm discharge during an event that resulted in a fatality in December.

Court records show Pettigrew entered the guilty plea as part of the resolution of the case, resulting in a deferred sentence.

Details surrounding the circumstances of the shooting, including additional charges or co-defendants, were not immediately available at the time of the hearing.

The case remains part of a broader investigation into the nightclub shooting, which drew law enforcement response to the rural Smith County location last year.

No further court dates were immediately listed publicly following Thursday’s proceedings.