FORT WORTH, Texas — A tragic incident in Southeast Fort Worth claimed the life of a teenager after another juvenile accidentally discharged a firearm. Authorities responded to the emergency call late Tuesday evening from a residence on the 3500 block of Avenue L, where they discovered the grievous aftermath of the gun mishap.
Upon arriving at the scene shortly after 9 PM, emergency medical services personnel endeavored to save the young victim, identified by the medical examiner as 16-year-old Damariion Henton. Despite their efforts, Henton succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The Fort Worth Police Department, under the guidance of public information officer Daniel Segura, is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Officer Segura shared the personal resonance of the incident, highlighting the gravity of firearm safety, especially around children. “As a parent, I understand the paramount importance of keeping firearms secured from young ones. Unfortunately, this event ended in a devastating loss,” Segura commented.
The initial findings suggest that Henton and another juvenile were either handling or playing with the weapon when it accidentally fired. The police are treating the incident as a potential accident but have involved homicide detectives to unravel the full details and ensure thorough investigative procedures.
No formal charges have been laid as detectives continue to interview the juvenile involved and other potential witnesses to piece together the sequence of events that led to the fatal incident.
This heartbreaking event underscores the critical need for responsible gun ownership and storage practices. The ongoing investigation aims not only to bring clarity and justice to the situation but also to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future by raising awareness about the dangers of negligent firearm handling.
Community leaders and local safety advocates have seized upon this tragedy to call for enhanced educational programs on gun safety, particularly targeting youth and families with firearms in the home.
As the Fort Worth community mourns the loss of a young life, this incident serves as a poignant reminder of the responsibilities that come with firearm ownership and the profound impacts that accidents can have on families and communities. Officers and community leaders alike hope that this incident will catalyze a renewed commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents, particularly the youth.