Shevona N. Whitehead, a 17-year-old African American girl from Columbus, OH, tragically lost her life on July 21, 2014. She was fatally shot inside a Southeast Side home while visiting a friend. The incident occurred when Tayon Dunson, a 15-year-old boy, was handling a handgun that accidentally discharged, striking Shevona in the chest. Dunson claimed the shooting was accidental, but witnesses reported that he pointed the gun at Shevona and pulled the trigger to demonstrate that it wasn't
loaded.
Following the incident, Tayon Dunson was arrested and charged with reckless homicide and illegally possessing a gun. Due to the severity of the case and Dunson's prior probation violations, his case was transferred to adult court. In March 2015, Dunson pleaded guilty to the charges, and in April 2016, he was sentenced to six years in prison.
The tragic death of Shevona N. Whitehead brought attention to issues of gun safety and the consequences of reckless behavior among teenagers. Her family and community mourned the loss of a young life cut short by a preventable accident.
