De’Shawn L. Sturkey, 19, was fatally shot on the night of April 16, 2025, in the 1200 block of Fish Hatchery Road on Madison’s south side. He was pronounced dead at a hospital that same day. Police say Sturkey had been with 17-year-old Montrae K. Stalling when the firearm discharged shortly after 10 p.m.; officers arrived about 10:05 p.m. and provided emergency care before paramedics transported Sturkey to the hospital.

Authorities described the shooting as accidental but treated it as a criminal matter because they allege the manner in which the gun was handled caused Sturkey’s death. Stalling was taken into custody and initially charged with negligent handling of a dangerous weapon; later reporting described a negligent-homicide allegation. A judge set a $250 cash bond at Stalling’s first appearance. The medical examiner and police continued investigating the precise cause and manner of death.

Does anyone have information about the shooting or knew DeShawn?