Huntsville, AL, September 28, 2025
News Summary
A memorial service was held at Columbia High School in Huntsville to honor 16-year-old Jayden Maclin, who was fatally shot in an accidental incident involving his cousin. Family and friends gathered for a balloon release, remembering Maclin’s joyful spirit and love for basketball. The tragic event has sparked discussions on gun safety in the community, with local leaders emphasizing the need for preventative measures against youth gun violence.
Huntsville Memorial Service Honors Jayden Maclin, 16, Following Accidental Shooting
Family and friends gathered at Columbia High School in Huntsville to honor 16-year-old Jayden Maclin during a balloon release memorial service. Maclin tragically lost his life in an accidental shooting involving his cousin, Daeshawn Harkey, which took place last weekend.
Court documents reveal that Harkey believed the firearm he was handling was unloaded when it accidentally discharged, resulting in Maclin’s death. Harkey is currently facing manslaughter charges related to this incident.
The memorial service marked the first of its kind hosted at Columbia High School, providing a place for grieving family and friends to celebrate Maclin’s life. Maclin was remembered as a happy kid who loved life, and his grandmother described him as someone who was surrounded by friends. Colleagues and classmates noted his great sense of humor, passion for basketball, and unique sense of style.
Jayden’s father, Joshua Maclin, was a member of Columbia High School’s first football team, emphasizing the family’s connection to the school. After being homeschooled, Jayden had looked forward to returning to traditional schooling and chose to enroll at Columbia High School. As a heartfelt tribute, his school desk was displayed during the visitation.
The tragic incident has raised alarms within the community regarding gun safety and violence prevention measures. During the memorial, local funeral director Brian Byers highlighted the critical need for the community to take control of gun violence for the sake of its youth. A 2023 Johns Hopkins University study indicated that Alabama faces an average of 84 children and teens killed by guns each year.
Shakeria Samples, Maclin’s stepmother, expressed hope that increased awareness about gun violence can prevent similar tragedies in the future. The family passionately desires for society to address the pressing issue of youth gun violence in the wake of their loss.
Maclin is set to be laid to rest this weekend while his family continues to advocate for change concerning gun violence. Samples is also related to another ongoing case involving Ronald Dumas Jr., whose child has been missing since December 2024, which remains under investigation.
Officials in Huntsville have noted that Maclin’s shooting is the second accidental shooting within the city in just three months. The previous incident, which occurred in July, resulted in the injury of one child, and no charges were filed.
Community organizations such as Chill Huntsville and Stop The Violence are actively pushing for gun violence prevention, focusing on educational initiatives in schools. Dr. Shannette Bone and Dr. Kenesha Fudge emphasized the importance of educating youth as a strategy to prevent gun violence in the future.
Recent legislation aimed at combating inner-city gun violence in Alabama includes increased penalties for gun-related crimes. Governor Kay Ivey has signed Senate Bill 119 into law, enhancing community safety measures against gun-related incidents and reflecting the state’s commitment to addressing this ongoing issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Jayden Maclin?
Jayden Maclin was fatally shot last weekend in an accidental shooting involving his cousin, Daeshawn Harkey.
What charges is Daeshawn Harkey facing?
Daeshawn Harkey is facing manslaughter charges in connection with Maclin’s death.
What has the community said regarding gun violence?
Maclin’s death has led to calls from the community for increased gun safety and violence prevention measures. Community organizations are advocating for educational initiatives to prevent gun violence.
What legislation has been introduced regarding gun violence in Alabama?
Recent legislation aimed at combating inner-city gun violence in Alabama includes increased penalties for gun-related crimes, and Governor Kay Ivey has signed Senate Bill 119 into law to enhance community safety measures against gun-related incidents.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Jayden Maclin, 16 |
| Relation to Shooter | Cousin, Daeshawn Harkey |
| Nature of Incident | Accidental shooting |
| Charges Filed | Manslaughter against Daeshawn Harkey |
| Memorial Service Location | Columbia High School |
| Community Actions | Advocating for gun safety and violence prevention |
| Legislation | Senate Bill 119 signed by Governor Kay Ivey |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Rocket City Now: Family Mourns Death of 16-Year-Old Accidental Gun Victim
- WAFF: Huntsville Sees Two Accidental Shootings Involving Teens in 3 Months
- WSFA: Gov. Ivey Signs Bill to Combat City Gun Violence into Law
- WAAYTV: Huntsville Group Working to End Violence in North Alabama
- Google Search: Gun Violence Prevention
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.
