Demarion Richardson was 15 when he was found with a gunshot wound at the Red Roof Inn in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, on June 16, 2024. He was taken to Helen Keller Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Richardson was a rising sophomore at Deshler High School.

Police say the shooting happened during a gathering of teenagers in a hotel room. Authorities have arrested a 16-year-old male in connection with the incident; his name has not been released because of his age. Reports describe the shooting as unintentional, allegedly occurring after a prank in which a loaded gun was pointed at Richardson and the trigger was pulled.

Demarion’s father, Mario Richardson, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Red Roof Inn and other unnamed parties, alleging the hotel negligently rented a room to unaccompanied minors, allowed open alcohol and drug use, had a history of criminal activity, and failed to provide adequate security or intervene. The family is seeking a jury trial.

Did anyone hear about teenagers gathering at that Red Roof Inn on the morning of June 16?