Katlyn Michelle Wittcop, a 17-year-old female from Hickory, North Carolina, tragically passed away on July 28, 2018. She was born on April 3, 2001, and was the daughter of Lewis and Melinda Wittcop. Katlyn's death occurred at her residence, and she was deeply mourned by her family and friends.
The circumstances surrounding Katlyn's death were both tragic and avoidable. On the night of her death, Katlyn was at a gathering with friends at her home.
During the gathering, Cheyenne Kenniston, a 20-year-old female, was present and reportedly playing with a gun. According to witness Jalen Roberts, Kenniston was handling the firearm, unaware that it was loaded. The gun discharged, resulting in a fatal gunshot wound to Katlyn.
Following the incident, the Hickory Police Department launched an investigation. Kenniston was subsequently charged with second-degree murder. However, the legal proceedings took a turn when Kenniston accepted a plea deal, resulting in a reduced charge of involuntary manslaughter. The plea deal led to a sentence of eight months of community service, restitution of approximately $3,000, and 120 days in jail. With credit for time already served, Kenniston's release was imminent, much to the dismay of Katlyn's family and supporters.
Katlyn's mother, Melinda Wittcop, expressed her disappointment with the legal outcome, emphasizing that a life is worth more than a few months of punishment. The family and friends of Katlyn continue to remember her and advocate for justice in her memory.
