Richard Vaughn ’R.J.’ Cummings Jr. was 18 when he died from a gunshot wound on Friday, July 14, 2017, in Columbus, Georgia. A recent Carver High School graduate and athlete with plans to start college, he was a front-seat passenger in a car with friends when a handgun was passed around. Testimony says the magazine had been removed but one round remained in the chamber. The weapon was handed to 18-year-old Alex Antonio Wilson, who sat behind Cummings; Wilson pulled the trigger believing the pistol empty and the bullet struck Cummings. Cummings was taken to a hospital and died of his injuries.

Two friends were arrested afterward: Wilson was charged with involuntary manslaughter and reckless conduct, and 19-year-old Lorenza Davonta Madden was charged with reckless conduct. The group has been described as close-knit classmates and teammates; testimony at the October 2019 trial focused on whether Wilson’s handling of the firearm was reckless or a tragic accident. Does anyone who knew R.J. or was there that night have information that could shed light on what happened?