Huntsville, September 23, 2025
News Summary
DaeShawn Dewayne Harkey, an 18-year-old from Huntsville, faces manslaughter charges after a tragic incident resulted in the accidental shooting death of a 16-year-old on TeeJay Drive. Despite immediate attempts to save him, the victim succumbed to his injuries. The investigation by Huntsville’s Major Crimes Unit is ongoing as the community grapples with the implications of firearm safety among youth.
Huntsville
An 18-year-old named DaeShawn Dewayne Harkey from Huntsville has been charged with manslaughter following the accidental shooting death of a 16-year-old victim. The incident occurred on Saturday at approximately 7:30 p.m. in the 4200 block of TeeJay Drive, prompting a swift police response to reports of a possible shooting.
Upon arrival, officers discovered the 16-year-old victim suffering from a gunshot wound inside the residence. Despite attempts to administer life-saving measures at the scene, the victim was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. The investigation was subsequently taken over by Huntsville’s Major Crimes Unit.
Through the investigation, it was determined that Harkey had been present in the home with the victim at the time of the shooting. Harkey reportedly claimed that he believed the firearm he was handling was unloaded when it accidentally discharged, resulting in the tragic death of the victim. As of now, the name of the victim has not been released to the public, and the investigation is ongoing.
Following the incident, Harkey was arrested and booked into the Madison County Jail where he is being held pending further proceedings.
Incident Details
The shooting took place on TeeJay Drive, a residential area in Huntsville, which has raised concerns within the community about gun safety and the responsibilities that come with handling firearms. This incident has sparked a dialogue about the need for better education and awareness regarding gun safety, particularly among young people.
Investigation and Charges
Huntsville authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. DaeShawn Harkey faces serious legal repercussions as the case unfolds, with the charge of manslaughter signaling the legal system’s approach to cases involving firearms and accidental discharges.
Community Reactions
The community has expressed sorrow over the loss of the young victim and concern about the implications of such incidents. Local leaders and organizations are discussing measures to promote gun safety education to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
Background on Gun Safety
Gun safety remains a critical issue nationwide, with accidental shootings accounting for a significant number of preventable incidents. National statistics indicate that education and responsible firearm handling can significantly reduce such occurrences.
FAQ
What happened in Huntsville?
An 18-year-old named DaeShawn Dewayne Harkey from Huntsville has been charged with manslaughter following the accidental shooting death of a 16-year-old victim.
When did the incident occur?
The incident occurred on Saturday at approximately 7:30 p.m.
Where did the shooting take place?
The shooting took place in the 4200 block of TeeJay Drive.
What did police find at the scene?
Officers found a 16-year-old victim with a gunshot wound inside a home.
What was done to help the victim?
Life-saving measures were attempted, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Was anyone arrested?
Yes, Harkey was arrested and booked into the Madison County Jail following the incident.
What is known about the victim?
The name of the victim has not been released, and the investigation is ongoing.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 4200 block of TeeJay Drive, Huntsville |
| Suspect | DaeShawn Dewayne Harkey, 18 years old |
| Victim | 16-year-old (name not released) |
| Time of Incident | Saturday at approximately 7:30 p.m. |
| Charges | Manslaughter |
| Current Status of the Suspect | Arrested and booked into Madison County Jail |
| Investigation Unit | Huntsville’s Major Crimes Unit |
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Additional Resources
- WAFF: Teen Fatally Shot in Huntsville
- AL.com: Alabama Teen Arrested in Accidental Shooting
- WHNT: 16-Year-Old Accidentally Shot and Killed
- Rocket City Now: Teen Arrested for Manslaughter After Shooting
- WAAYTV: 18-Year-Old Charged with Manslaughter
- Wikipedia: Gun Safety
- Google Search: Gun Safety Education
- Google Scholar: Gun Safety Statistics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Control
- Google News: Huntsville Shooting
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
