In the late afternoon of August 23, 2019, tragedy struck at an Exxon gas station in Tarrant, Alabama, ending the life of 14-year-old Dai'Jon J Wynn. A Black male, Wynn was sitting in the front passenger seat of a Dodge Challenger parked near the front of the store on Pinson Valley Parkway when a gun discharged inside the vehicle. The shot, which proved to be fatal, was reportedly fired accidentally by his 17-year-old friend who was in the back seat handling the weapon.
The Tarrant Police
Department's investigation into the incident led them to believe the shooting was a tragic accident involving two juveniles. The 17-year-old driver, and friend of Dai'Jon, remained at the scene and was cooperative with the authorities. Following the investigation, the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office issued a juvenile petition against the 17-year-old, charging him with certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm.
In the wake of this devastating event, family and friends gathered to remember Dai'Jon, known to many as 'DJ'. A vigil was held at the Tarrant Senior Center where his mother, Laness Wynn, made an emotional plea for teenagers to 'put the guns down,' highlighting the heartbreaking consequences of gun violence. Funeral services for Dai'Jon were later held at the 22nd Avenue Baptist Church.
