Sailor Charged with Murder in Death of Carrier John F. Kennedy Boatswain’s Mate
This post has been updated with additional information from the Navy. The Navy has charged a sailor with murder and involuntary manslaughter in the death of another sailor aboard aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN-79). Aviation Boatswain’s Mate – Aircraft Handling Airman Apprentice Jayjrion Rodriguez is charged with murder while engaging in an act inherently dangerous to another, involuntary manslaughter and three specifications of simple assault with a loaded firearm and three specifications of reckless endangerment, according to the charge sheet. On June 6, Rodriguez was aboard Kennedy with Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Jesse Braswell as part of the ship’s in-port
The future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) returned Feb. 4, 2026, to Newport News Shipbuilding after a one-week stint at sea to complete builder’s trials. HII photo This post has been updated with additional information from the Navy.
The Navy has charged a sailor with murder and involuntary manslaughter in the death of another sailor aboard aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN-79).
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate – Aircraft Handling Airman Apprentice Jayjrion Rodriguez is charged with murder while engaging in an act inherently dangerous to another, involuntary manslaughter and three specifications of simple assault with a loaded firearm and three specifications of reckless endangerment, according to the charge sheet.
Jesse Braswell On June 6, Rodriguez was aboard Kennedy with Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Jesse Braswell as part of the ship’s in-port security forces when Rodriguez allegedly shot and killed Braswell. Rodriguez was initially held in pre-trial confinement before being released on June 11. A lawyer listed as representing Rodriguez did not not immediately respond to a message sent by USNI News.
The Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled Braswell’s death as homicide, which means someone else was responsible for his death. Homicide is one of the five causes of death. Murder is a criminal charge.
The Navy charged Rodriguez on July 29, according to the charge sheet. In addition to the two charges from Braswell’s death, the Navy charged Rodriguez with simple assault and reckless endangerment for three separate instances. Rodriguez pointed a loaded service pistol at three different sailors – once in February and twice in May – while on board Kennedy, according to the charge sheet.
According to his releaseable service record obtained by USNI News, Rodriguez enlisted in the Navy last year and joined the crew of JFK in October shortly after a stint at the Naval Air Technical Training Center at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla. His home of record is in Massachusetts, according to the record.
The Virginian-Pilot first reported the charges against Rodriguez.
NCIS is leading the investigation, which remains open, Meredith March, a spokesperson for the organization, told USNI News.
“NCIS is committed to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation to determine the exact facts and circumstances surrounding this tragic incident,” March said in a Wednesday statement.
The service is set to schedule an Article 32 hearing in the coming weeks, USNI News understands.
