Father of Richardson teen paralyzed in Waffle House parking lot shooting speaks out as gunman remains at large

An 18-year-old Richardson High senior is paralyzed after a spring break shooting. Two suspects are in custody, but the alleged gunman remains at large.

What began as a spring break night out ended in gunfire and chaos outside a Waffle House in Richardson, leaving an 18-year-old high school senior paralyzed and a family searching for answers.

James Jackson said he got the call no parent wants late that night — his son had been shot. Witnesses told him a crowd of teens gathered in the parking lot when shots rang out, sending people running for cover.

Jackson and his wife rushed to the hospital, where doctors delivered devastating news. Their son suffered a ruptured lung and aorta, fractured ribs and a shattered spinal cord.

“They said he’ll never walk again,” Jackson said the doctor informed them.

Seth Jackson, 18, is a senior at Richardson High School — an athlete, straight-A student, and two-job worker who had recently committed to attend the University of Houston in the fall. The family had just begun making plans for his next chapter, including securing an apartment near campus.

“Life changes,” his father said, snapping his fingers.

Credit: WFAA
James Jackson, father of 18-year-old Seth Jackson, a senior at Richardson High School.

According to his family, Seth told them he was trying to help a friend who was being attacked. But before he even reached his friend, he said that at least one person pulled out a gun. As Seth turned to run, he was shot.

Richardson police have arrested two suspects — 17-year-old Charles Webster and 18-year-old Taylor Griffin — both charged with engaging in organized criminal activity. Jackson was notified about the arrests, but he says the suspected shooter remains at large.

“Why would this guy shoot my son?” Jackson said.

After undergoing three surgeries in three days, Seth is out of the intensive care unit but remains hospitalized. His family says their focus is on his survival and the long road ahead.

“Our number one concern is that he survives it,” Jackson said. “We’ll figure out the changes we need to make.”

The Jackson family is preparing for a future they never expected — together. The community created a fundraiser to help them with unexpected costs.

“It’s every parent’s nightmare,” Jackson said.