On November 7, 2016, Akira Marie Waters, a 16-year-old girl from Avonmore, Pennsylvania, tragically lost her life after being shot in a home in Arnold, New Kensington, PA. Akira was visiting her 19-year-old boyfriend, Brandon Jackson, at his home when the incident occurred. According to her father, Aaron Waters, Akira was accidentally shot by the boyfriend of her best friend while they were playing with a gun.
The weapon used was a small black semi-automatic handgun.
The suspected shooter, 17-year-old Cashaan "Dink" Williams of Arnold, was arrested and charged with criminal homicide. Williams turned himself in to the police the day after the shooting and was later tried as an adult. Jackson informed the police that Williams was walking down the steps into the home's basement with Akira behind him when the gun went off.
The case has seen several developments over the years. Williams has been in custody since May 2017, and his trial has been postponed multiple times. In 2020, his defense attorney sought more time to argue for his pretrial release, claiming that Williams had been in jail too long. However, the trial is now tentatively scheduled to begin in October, and Williams maintains his innocence.
Akira was described by her father as a "beautiful, sweet girl" who aspired to run her own beauty shop someday. She was a junior at Kiski Area High School and had recently started working at a Dunkin' Donuts store in Murrysville. Her untimely death has left a lasting impact on her family and community.
The investigation and legal proceedings surrounding Akira Marie Waters' death have been complex and drawn out, with Williams still awaiting trial for the charges related to her death.
