Traveon Tray Karvell Frazier, a 16-year-old African American male, tragically passed away on July 13, 2020, in Crest Hill, Illinois. Traveon, affectionately known as "Tray," was born on November 2, 2004, in Joliet, Illinois. He spent his early years in Joliet before moving to Jackson, Tennessee, where he attended South Side High School and was actively involved in basketball and football. His sudden death left a profound impact on his family, friends, and community.
The circumstances surrounding Traveon's death were both tragic and complex. On the day of the incident, Traveon was at an apartment complex in the 1700 block of Arbor Lane in Crest Hill. According to witness statements and police reports, Travion Terrell, a 20-year-old resident of Crest Hill, was handling a firearm inside the apartment. Terrell removed the magazine from the gun but failed to clear the chambered bullet. He then pointed the gun at Traveon and pulled the trigger, resulting in a fatal gunshot wound to the 16-year-old. Traveon was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the incident, Travion Terrell was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter, reckless discharge of a firearm, and unlawful possession of a weapon without a firearm owner's identification card. The Will County State's Attorney's Office sought permission to obtain DNA samples from Terrell to compare with evidence collected at the scene. Terrell was released from the Will County Jail on a $100,000 personal recognizance bond and was placed under house arrest, with strict conditions prohibiting him from possessing dangerous weapons and limiting his movements to employment, church, and medical services.
The case against Travion Terrell highlighted the dangers of mishandling firearms and the devastating consequences that can result from such negligence. The legal proceedings aimed to hold Terrell accountable for his actions while also serving as a somber reminder of the importance of firearm safety. The community mourned the loss of Traveon, a young life cut short, and rallied around his family to offer support and condolences during their time of grief.
