La Tavion Johnson Obituary, Death; – The individual fatally shot during a homecoming weekend incident at Tuskegee University has been identified as 18-year-old La’Tavion Johnson from Troy, Alabama, according to the local coroner’s report on Monday.
The shooting, which occurred on Sunday, resulted in injuries to 16 additional individuals, with a dozen suffering from gunfire wounds, as reported by authorities. An arrest was made shortly after the incident. While many of the injured were students, Johnson was not among them.
Jaquez Myrick, 25, from Montgomery, was apprehended while departing the scene of the shooting and was found in possession of a handgun equipped with a machine gun conversion device, as stated by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Myrick is facing a federal charge for possession of a machine gun, although the agency did not allege that he used the weapon during the shooting nor did it provide further details.
It remains unclear whether Myrick is a student at the historically Black university, where the shooting took place as the institution’s 100th homecoming week was concluding.
At this time, it is unknown if Myrick has legal representation. He is currently being held at the Montgomery County jail, according to online booking records.
Of the injured, twelve sustained gunshot wounds, while four others suffered non-gunshot-related injuries, as reported by the state agency. Several victims are receiving treatment at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika and Baptist South Hospital in Montgomery, as indicated by a university statement. Although specific conditions of the injured individuals have not been disclosed, Macon County Coroner Hal Bentley noted that at least one person is in critical condition.
The FBI has joined the investigation and is actively seeking public assistance, including any video evidence from witnesses. An online platform has been established for individuals to upload relevant footage. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is also participating in the investigation, as confirmed by a local prosecutor.
In response to the incident, Tuskegee University canceled classes on Monday and announced that grief counselors would be available in the university chapel to support students. The shooting has left the entire university community in a state of shock.
