In the spring of 2021, the community of Beckley, West Virginia, was struck by a tragedy that cut short the promising life of a beloved young man. Dwayne Richardson Jr., an 18-year-old Black male, was fatally shot on the evening of May 2, 2021. Known as a talented basketball player and a junior at Woodrow Wilson High School with a bright future, his sudden death sent ripples of grief through his friends, family, and the wider community.
The incident occurred at a residence on Terrill
Street in East Beckley. Around 9:20 p.m., while with a group of acquaintances, Richardson was shot in the chest. His friends attempted to rush him to the hospital, flagging down police and EMS on the way. Despite their efforts and being airlifted to Charleston Area Medical Center, Dwayne Richardson Jr. succumbed to his injuries.
In the days following the shooting, what was initially investigated as a homicide was later determined by police to be an accidental shooting. The investigation led to the arrest of 20-year-old Jeriamyah Jacob Fortner of Beckley. According to authorities, Fortner was recklessly handling an AR-15 rifle when he inadvertently shot Richardson. It was reported that Fortner believed the weapon was unloaded when he pointed it at the group and pulled the trigger.
Jeriamyah Fortner was charged with voluntary manslaughter and four counts of wanton endangerment. He later pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in August 2021. In November of the same year, a judge sentenced Fortner to the maximum term of 15 years in prison for his role in the death of Dwayne Richardson Jr. During the sentencing, Fortner expressed remorse, stating he had made an honest mistake and had tried to save his friend's life that night.
