The Jackson community is reeling from the shooting death of 16-year-old Isaiah Michael Ramos-Bostwick on Harris Street, a tragedy that has deeply impacted his family, friends, and neighbors who knew him as a cheerful and protective young man. A 13-year-old boy has been charged in connection with the killing, which occurred around 1 a.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, inside a home on the 500 block of Harris Street in Jackson, Michigan.
Isaiah, affectionately known as “Izzy” to his family, was the oldest of four sons in a blended family of six siblings, remembered by his mother as a “lover and a helper” who enjoyed simple tasks like taking out the trash, shoveling sidewalks, and babysitting. He had a great sense of humor, often taking on dares like drinking lemon juice or eating hot peppers to make people laugh, and was passionate about sports, including football, basketball, and wrestling.
A student who had recently transitioned to online education due to bullying and fears of violence in Jackson, Isaiah was enrolled with the South Central Michigan Virtual School after being pulled out of Jackson High School by his mother, Alicia Ramos. He had applied for a job at Olive Garden and was awaiting a start date, with future aspirations to attend trade school and join a labor union like other family members.
On the night of the shooting, Isaiah was spending the night at his best friend’s house on Harris Street, an arrangement his mother was familiar with and had approved. His last communication with his mother was a text exchange around 10:30 p.m. where he signed off with his characteristic “I love you,” a phrase he always used with family members.
According to police reports, officers responded to the Harris Street location around 1 a.m. and found Isaiah inside with a gunshot wound to the face. He was transported to a hospital but later died from his injuries. Two teenage suspects fled on foot, but a K9 unit tracked them to the 1300 block of Leroy Street, where a 13-year-old was arrested and lodged at the Jackson County Youth Center.
The 13-year-old suspect faces a petition for multiple charges including first-degree premeditated murder, felony murder, armed robbery, larceny of a firearm, and felony firearm . Due to his age, he cannot be charged as an adult in Michigan, and the case will proceed in juvenile court. Jackson Police Chief Chris Simpson indicated investigators believe the teens involved may have known each other and that there was “a disagreement,” though the specific motive remains undisclosed as the investigation continues.