In Evansville, Indiana, on the afternoon of September 4, 2025, the life of 14-year-old Jayviontae 'JoJo' Cox, a Black male, was tragically cut short in what police have described as an accidental shooting. The incident occurred at his home on East Cherry Street, where a friend was handling a handgun. Believing the firearm to be unloaded, the other juvenile pulled the trigger. First responders found Cox mortally wounded, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Known as an outgoing and goofy high school freshman who loved basketball and football, he dreamed of a future as a famous musician.
The immediate investigation led to the arrest of the juvenile who fired the weapon. The teen was taken into custody and faced preliminary charges of reckless homicide and dangerous possession of a firearm. Investigators reported that the juvenile and his parents were cooperative with the police following the unintentional shooting.
Further investigation into the origin of the handgun resulted in another arrest days later. Rachel Banks, 36, was taken into custody after evidence showed she had purchased the firearm for her son, who was the juvenile involved in the shooting. Banks faces multiple charges, including reckless homicide, dangerous control of a firearm, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Authorities also found evidence that she was allegedly helping her son purchase marijuana.
