Shevona N. Whitehead was 17 when she was fatally shot on July 21, 2014, inside a Southeast Side home in Columbus, Ohio, while visiting a friend. The gunshot struck her in the chest during an incident involving a handgun handled by a 15-year-old boy, Tayon Dunson. Dunson said the shooting was accidental; witnesses said he pointed the gun at Shevona and pulled the trigger to demonstrate it wasn’t loaded.

Dunson was arrested and charged with reckless homicide and illegally possessing a gun. Because of the case’s severity and prior probation violations, his case was transferred to adult court; he later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six years in prison in April 2016.

Shevona’s death drew attention in the community to gun safety and the consequences of reckless behavior among teenagers. If anyone knew Shevona or was present that day, please share information that could help clarify what happened.