A simple offer to clean off a car ended in tragedy — and now a Dayton man will spend decades behind bars for it.
Travis Jackson, 36, was sentenced to 21 years to life in prison after being convicted of murdering 22-year-old landscaper Tanner Staggs over grass clippings and dirt that landed on his vehicle during routine lawn work.
The sentencing took place on what would have been Staggs’ 23rd birthday, adding a heartbreaking layer to an already devastating case.
What Happened That Morning
On September 18, 2025, Staggs was working a job for Dunham’s Lawn Care LLC on Indiana Avenue in Dayton, Ohio, when things turned deadly over something as small as yard debris.
Jackson walked out of his home and began arguing with Staggs about grass clippings and dirt getting on his car. Staggs and his crew offered a completely reasonable solution — they would use a blower to clean the car off. That offer wasn’t enough.
Instead of accepting the fix, Jackson pulled out a 9mm handgun and opened fire, shooting Staggs twice. Emergency responders found Staggs on the sidewalk with multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to Miami Valley Hospital, where he later died.
Jackson Told a Different Story
Jackson claimed during his 911 call, during the investigation, and at trial that he only fired after being physically attacked without warning. His defense attorney argued he had simply made a reasonable request that escalated.
Fellow landscapers on the scene told a completely different story. They testified they never witnessed any assault on Jackson — only that he spoke disrespectfully, argued aggressively, and then drew his weapon and fired without justification.
The jury sided with the witnesses. Jackson was convicted on two counts of murder, along with felonious assault, discharge of a firearm near a prohibited premises, and involuntary manslaughter. As the verdict was read aloud, Jackson put his hand to his face.
A Life Cut Short
Tanner Staggs was just 22 years old and on the job when he lost his life. His employer remembered him as someone who made a lasting impression on everyone around him.
“Tanner always had a positive attitude, was a good team player, got along well with others, was patient and understanding and a leader among our crew,” Dunham’s Lawn Care said in a statement. “He was a young man with so much life ahead of him. His passing leaves an unimaginable void for his loved ones, our team and the entire landscaping community.”
Prosecutor Speaks Out
Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck Jr. didn’t hold back after the sentencing was handed down by Judge Mary Wiseman.
“It is unimaginable that someone would become so upset about grass clippings on their car that they would fatally shoot someone,” Heck said. “Using a firearm to settle minor disputes is never acceptable.”
Staggs was simply doing his job. He offered a solution. And it cost him his life.
