Gavin Fortenberry Obituary, Death; – A family from Jefferson Davis County is seeking answers following the shooting death of their son.
The incident took place at the Finish Line Drag Strip in the Lucas community at approximately 11:15 p.m. on August 17, 2025. The victim has been identified as 17-year-old Gavin Fortenberry. He had recently graduated from Camp Shelby and was preparing to enlist in the Air Force.
His parents assert that they are aware of the individual who fired the weapon, alleging that the incident arose from a prolonged conflict with former classmates who had bullied, threatened, and stalked him prior to the shooting.
“He left this place to escape them. The primary reason he was reluctant to depart from Camp Shelby was that he feared returning to the harsh realities of the world and confronting those stresses,” stated Kashina Johnson-Fortenberry, his mother.
Investigators in Jefferson Davis County have reported that they have gathered evidence and numerous witness accounts. They anticipate making arrests in the near future.
