Seth Jackson, an 18-year-old student and athlete from Richardson, Texas, was shot and left paralyzed after an altercation at a Waffle House parking lot on March 19. He sustained a shattered spinal cord, fractured ribs, a ruptured lung and a torn aorta and underwent three surgeries. Two teenagers, Taylor Griffin (18) and Charles Webster (17), have been arrested and charged with engaging in organized criminal activity; authorities expect additional arrests. The family has launched a GoFundMe to cover medical and rehabilitation expenses as Seth prepares for inpatient rehab after hospital discharge.
‘He’ll Never Walk Again’: 18-Year-Old Student-Athlete Paralyzed After Waffle House Parking Lot Shooting
Seth JacksonCredit: GoFundMe
On the evening of March 19, 18-year-old student-athlete Seth Jackson was shot and left paralyzed outside the Waffle House at 120 West Spring Valley Road in Richardson, Texas, his family and police said.
Incident Details
Richardson Police say the confrontation began as a conflict between two groups in the restaurant parking lot and escalated when multiple people produced firearms and shots were fired. Investigators believe several individuals were involved; the department said the investigation remains active and additional arrests are anticipated.
Injuries and Medical Status
According to family statements shared with local ABC affiliate WFAA, Seth suffered catastrophic injuries: a shattered spinal cord, fractured ribs, a ruptured lung and a torn aorta. Hospital staff later informed his parents that he will not walk again. He underwent three surgeries across three days and, by March 26, had been moved out of the intensive care unit to a regular hospital room. Doctors also removed a second chest tube — a step his father described as an encouraging sign after a "touch-and-go" period immediately following the incident.
The Waffle House at 120 West Spring Valley Road in Richardson, TexasCredit: Google Maps
Arrests And Legal Action
Police arrested two teenagers a week after the shooting. Eighteen-year-old Taylor Griffin and 17-year-old Charles Webster were taken into custody on March 26 and charged with engaging in organized criminal activity. Authorities stated both teens participated in events leading up to and during the shooting.
'Our thoughts are with the victim, 18-year-old Seth Jackson, and his family,' the Richardson Police Department said. 'We are committed to seeking justice for Mr. Jackson and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.'
Family, Recovery And Support
Seth's father, James Jackson, called the situation "every parent's nightmare." The family has launched a GoFundMe to help cover medical expenses and household needs while Seth recovers. The fundraiser had raised more than $52,000 toward a $65,000 goal at the time of reporting. The GoFundMe notes that after hospital discharge Seth will be transferred directly to an inpatient rehabilitation facility for several weeks, and the family is preparing for the long-term adjustments his care will require.
Background
Seth is a straight-A student and a basketball player at Richardson High School who worked two jobs and planned to attend the University of Houston later this year. Photos shared with local media show damage at the restaurant, including a shattered glass door.
The investigation is ongoing. Police say they continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses as they work to identify and hold accountable everyone involved in the shooting.
Help us improve.
