In a tragic turn of events that unfolded live on social media, 18-year-old Dylan Hemphill, a Black male from Detroit, Michigan, was fatally shot on April 2, 2018. The incident occurred in a home on the city's northwest side where Hemphill and his close friend, 18-year-old Dawone Cook, were broadcasting on Instagram. The two were reportedly showing off money and firearms, a playful act that quickly spiraled into a devastating accident.
During the livestream, Cook was handling a rifle
equipped with a bayonet when he accidentally discharged the weapon. A single bullet struck Hemphill in the head, and he was pronounced dead at the scene before paramedics could arrive. Cook immediately called 911 to report the shooting, an action that underscored the accidental nature of the tragedy. The event sent shockwaves through their community, with Hemphill's mother expressing profound shock and emphasizing the close, brotherly bond the two young men shared.
Following an investigation, the Wayne County prosecutor's office charged Dawone Cook with careless discharge of a firearm causing injury or death, a misdemeanor offense. The charge reflected the belief of law enforcement that the shooting was unintentional. After initially being taken into custody and released, Cook failed to appear for his first scheduled arraignment but was later arraigned.
In June 2018, Dawone Cook pleaded guilty to the charge. The following month, he was sentenced to three years of probation. In addition to probation, the court ordered Cook to complete 100 hours of community service and to speak at schools about the dangers of playing with guns. The case served as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of mishandling firearms, particularly when combined with the desire for social media attention.
