On the night of May 13, 2023, 24-year-old William Timothy "Jron" Rickert was fatally shot in a residence on the 1100 block of East 26th Street in Erie, Pennsylvania. At the time of the incident, Rickert and several individuals were in the basement of the home, engaged in recording music. During this session, 31-year-old Graham Kelly, who was handling a firearm, accidentally discharged the weapon, resulting in a gunshot wound to Rickert's head. Rickert was immediately transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries later that night.
Following the incident, Graham Kelly was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter, among other related offenses. The Erie Police Department's investigation concluded that the shooting was unintentional, leading to the involuntary manslaughter charge.
In the wake of Rickert's tragic death, the community organized a "Take Back the Site" prayer vigil on August 21, 2023, at the location where the incident occurred. This vigil, led by the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, Sisters of St. Joseph, and Sisters of Mercy, aimed to reclaim the site of violence and offer closure to those affected by the tragedy.
Rickert, affectionately known as "Jron," was remembered for his vibrant personality and his passion for music and sports. A 2017 graduate of Strong Vincent High School, he was known as the life of the party, bringing laughter and joy to those around him. His untimely passing has left a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, and the broader Erie community.
