On January 31, 2021, Dytwan Zontae Gatling, a 15-year-old African American male from Charlotte, North Carolina, was tragically shot and killed in Greensboro, North Carolina. The incident occurred around 1:39 p.m. in the 1000 block of Fir Place. Gatling was taken to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The Greensboro Police Department immediately began a homicide investigation following the incident.
The investigation revealed that the shooting was accidental.
Gatling and his friends were reportedly playing with a gun at a friend's house when it accidentally discharged, striking Gatling. The juvenile suspect involved in the shooting was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter. The police did not release the name or age of the suspect due to their status as a minor.
Gatling's family and friends were devastated by the loss. His grandmother, Tania Long, remembered him as a good-hearted person with a contagious smile. His father, Raytwan Gatling, recalled fond memories of his son playing football as a quarterback. The community held a candlelight vigil to honor Gatling's memory, with about 40 people in attendance.
The case highlighted the dangers of children having access to firearms and served as a cautionary tale for other young people. Gatling's loved ones hoped that his story would deter other youths from engaging in similar risky behaviors. The investigation into the incident continued, with the Greensboro Police Department urging anyone with information to come forward.
