Destiny Lawson was 17 and from Birmingham, Alabama, when she was killed on the night of May 12, 2026. Police were called shortly before 10:30 p.m. to the 100 block of 17th Street Southwest in the West End after a report of a shooting inside a residence. Officers found Destiny unresponsive with an apparent gunshot wound; Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service pronounced her dead at the scene, with one report listing time of death as 10:41 p.m.

Investigators said Destiny had been visiting the home and was inside with several other people when someone in the group was handling a firearm that discharged, striking her. Police initially said the suspected shooter fled, while others present cooperated and were questioned. The case was treated as a homicide.

The next day police announced the arrest of a 14-year-old boy, taken into custody without incident and transported to the Jefferson County Youth Detention Center. Reports also indicated the weapon may have been stolen. No additional suspects had been publicly identified, and no trial or conviction information was available.

If anyone was at that gathering or has information about the weapon or events that night, please share what is known with investigators.