Teylyn McAlpin, a 17-year-old African American male from Asheville, North Carolina, tragically lost his life on November 28, 2020. Teylyn, an outgoing and athletic student at Asheville High School, was also a single father to a one-year-old daughter. On the morning of his death, Teylyn was fatally shot multiple times near Montford baseball field. Despite the efforts of responding officers and medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries later that day at Mission Hospital.
The Asheville
Police Department launched an investigation into Teylyn's murder and identified two suspects: a 16-year-old and Dionate Whitson, also 16, both of whom were fellow teens from Asheville. On December 4, 2020, the APD announced the arrests of the 16-year-old suspect and charged them with first-degree murder. Dionate Whitson, however, remained at large. The investigation revealed that Teylyn was allegedly killed by these two individuals, and the case drew significant attention from both the local community and national media.
In the years following Teylyn's death, the APD and the U.S. Marshals Service continued their efforts to locate Dionate Whitson. A $10,000 reward was offered for information leading to his arrest. Despite several reported sightings and a brief encounter with law enforcement in Kinston, North Carolina, in August 2023, Whitson remained elusive. Teylyn's mother, Javelin Duncan, expressed cautious optimism about the ongoing search but remained wary of getting her hopes up too high.
The tragic loss of Teylyn McAlpin has left a lasting impact on his family, friends, and the Asheville community. His mother and grandmother fondly remember his vibrant personality and the joy he brought to those around him. The community continues to seek justice for Teylyn and hopes for closure in the ongoing investigation.
