On October 22, 2023, seven-year-old De'Vonte Ja'Ton Housley Jr. was fatally shot in his home on Marmion Avenue in Youngstown, Ohio. Responding officers found De'Vonte with a gunshot wound and initiated life-saving measures before transporting him to St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Youngstown Police Department initially described the incident as an "accidental shooting."
However, following a thorough investigation, a Mahoning County grand jury indicted De'Vonte's mother, 30-year-old Marquaysha A. Driver, on charges of involuntary manslaughter and four counts of child endangering. If convicted, Driver faces a potential sentence exceeding 10 years in prison.
De'Vonte, affectionately known as "Dunk Jr." or "Dooda," was a second-grade student at Youngstown Community School. He was remembered for his radiant smile and infectious laughter, which brought immense joy to those around him. His grandmother, Carla Molina, who had raised him for the first six years of his life, described him as a sweet child who "didn't deserve this."
A celebration of De'Vonte's life was held, where family and friends gathered to honor his memory. Attendees shared stories highlighting his love for football, seafood, dancing, and chocolate-glazed donuts. The event underscored the profound impact De'Vonte had on his community during his brief life.
The tragic circumstances of De'Vonte's death have prompted discussions about child safety and the responsibilities of guardians. The legal proceedings against Marquaysha Driver are ongoing, with the community closely monitoring the case as it progresses through the judicial system.
