US Navy Sailor Charged With Murder Of Shipmate Aboard Aircraft Carrier John F. Kennedy

A U.S. Navy sailor has been charged with murder and involuntary manslaughter over the death of another sailor aboard the future USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier in June.

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate – Aircraft Handling Airman Apprentice Jayjrion Rodriguez is accused of shooting Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Jesse Braswell on June 6 while both sailors were part of the ship’s in-port security team.

The shooting happened aboard the future carrier at Newport News, Virginia. According to court documents, Rodriguez shot Braswell in the head with a service pistol.

The Navy charged Rodriguez on July 29. He faces one charge of murder while engaging in an act inherently dangerous to another and one charge of involuntary manslaughter. He also faces three charges of simple assault with a loaded firearm and three charges of reckless endangerment.

Rodriguez was placed in pretrial confinement after the shooting and was released on June 11.

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) is investigating the case. Meredith March, an NCIS spokesperson, said the agency is working to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation is still ongoing, and the Navy is expected to schedule an Article 32 hearing in the coming weeks.

Charges Over Earlier Gun Incidents

The charges against Rodriguez also include three separate incidents involving other sailors.

According to the Navy’s charge sheet, Rodriguez allegedly pointed a loaded service pistol at three sailors while aboard the John F. Kennedy. One incident took place in February and two occurred in May.

He had remained on duty until the fatal shooting in June.

The Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled Braswell’s death a homicide. In this context, homicide means that another person caused the death. It is separate from a criminal murder charge.

A lawyer listed as representing Rodriguez did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment, according to USNI News.

The Virginian-Pilot first reported the charges.

Carrier Still Under Construction

The shooting took place while the future USS John F. Kennedy was still undergoing construction, testing and final outfitting at Newport News, Virginia.

The carrier recently completed its acceptance trials after beginning builder’s sea trials earlier this year. During builder’s trials, the shipyard tests the ship’s performance.

During acceptance trials, the Navy independently checks whether the carrier meets its required specifications before taking ownership.

The carrier, designated CVN-79, was christened in 2019. Its construction has been delayed by design changes and other construction issues.

The Navy plans to commission the John F. Kennedy in March 2027. After commissioning, it is scheduled to operate from Naval Station Norfolk before moving in 2029 to Naval Base Kitsap near Seattle.

Sailors’ Service Records

Navy records show that Braswell enlisted in October 2024 and reported to the future John F. Kennedy in March 2025. He had reached the rank of E-3 several months before his death.

Rodriguez enlisted in the Navy last year and joined the Kennedy crew in October 2025 after training at the Naval Air Technical Training Center at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. His home of record is Massachusetts.

References: USNI, newsnationnow