Deshoune Pope, 14, a freshman at Mathis High School, died on September 6, 2025, after an accidental shooting at a friend’s home on the 800 block of Olivo Street in Mathis, Texas. Police say he was examining a friend’s firearm when it discharged, striking him in the eye; he was pronounced dead before arriving at the hospital. Investigators described the case as accidental in their initial public statements and were working to determine how the gun came into the boys’ possession.

Authorities reported the residence was occupied by multiple people when the shooting occurred and said Mathis Police were still piecing together the sequence of events. In the days following the death no arrests or criminal charges had been announced and no suspects were identified; digests of gun accidents also recorded that no one had been charged at that time. The community held a candlelight vigil and funeral notices confirmed his death and age, while his mother spoke publicly about the loss and urged greater attention to firearm safety.

If anyone knew Deshoune, was at the residence that day, or has information about access to the weapon, please share what you know.