DeShun Wesley Mitchell Jr.

DeShun Wesley Mitchell Jr., known affectionately as "DJ," was a happy two-year-old boy from Memphis, Tennessee, who loved to dance. Born on September 18, 2018, his life was a source of immense joy to his family. Those who loved him remember a bright, cheerful child whose presence filled their lives with happiness. In messages left on a memorial page, his family expressed their deep love and sorrow, writing "we miss you DJ rest peacefully!!!!" and "i love you son." His time with them was tragically short, but his memory is cherished as a blessing.

On Wednesday, June 16, 2021, a devastating tragedy occurred at DeShun's home in Memphis. That day, the young Black toddler found a loaded handgun within the residence. In a heartbreaking turn of events, the gun discharged, and DeShun was fatally wounded. The incident happened in a home near Ridgeway Road, though the exact address has not been publicly released by authorities.

Memphis Police Department officers were called to the scene, but when they arrived, it was too late. They found that two-year-old DeShun had already succumbed to his gunshot wound. Investigators from the department immediately began looking into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The initial information gathered at the scene suggested that the death was the result of a tragic accident.

The police investigation focused on how the child was able to gain access to the firearm. After a thorough review of the evidence and circumstances, the authorities concluded that the shooting was accidental. The Memphis Police Department announced that no criminal charges would be filed in connection with the incident. The case was subsequently closed without any arrests being made, leaving the family and community to grapple with the sudden and profound loss.

In the days following his death, DeShun's family gathered to mourn and remember him. A memorial service was held on Sunday, June 27, 2021, at the Jefferson Mortuary Chapel in Millington, a city just north of Memphis. Following the service, he was laid to rest at Pleasant Rest Cemetery on Raleigh-Millington Road, also in Millington. The family requested that attendees wear masks and practice social distancing, a reflection of the ongoing public health concerns at the time.

The loss of DeShun Wesley Mitchell Jr. serves as a painful reminder of what is often described as an epidemic of gun violence affecting children in the United States. His death was one of numerous instances in Tennessee where a child's life was cut short due to an accidental shooting in the home. In the wake of such tragedies, community leaders and officials often reiterate calls for responsible gun ownership and safe storage practices to prevent firearms from falling into the hands of children. As of late 2021, the investigation into DeShun's death is officially closed, and his family continues to mourn the happy, dancing boy they lovingly called DJ.