Damarion Jones, 16, accidentally shot and killed his best friend before taking his own life inside a home on Lincoln Avenue in Syracuse last Wednesday night, according to Onondaga County prosecutors.
Background
Jones fatally shot Jonah Tanner, 13, with a 9mm handgun before turning the weapon on himself, District Attorney William Fitzpatrick told LocalSYR. Both teens were Syracuse residents. The boys' families described them as inseparable companions whose bond was 'truly special,' according to online fundraiser statements.
"Their friendship brought so much joy and love to our lives, and their bond was truly special," Tanner's family wrote on a GoFundMe page established for funeral expenses.
The incident occurred Wednesday evening. Tanner was rushed to an area hospital in critical condition but was later declared brain dead, CNYCentral reported. Jones died of self-inflicted injuries the same night.
"My son, Damarion Jones, was a sweet, loving, and kind-hearted young man. He was only 16 years old and was my only son," his mother, Kiesha Brown Jones, wrote in a statement on the fundraising page. "They were always together and shared a bond that was like brothers."
A vigil honoring both teens was held Sunday in the community.
The Investigation
Onondaga County prosecutors said Jones 'apparently felt so guilt-ridden he shot himself' following the unintentional shooting, according to LocalSYR. Authorities have not released additional details about how the shooting occurred or how the juveniles accessed the firearm. The investigation is ongoing.
"Within moments, we lost Damarion too," his mother wrote. "In the midst of a heartbreaking tragedy that claimed his best friend's life, Damarion could not bear the pain of what had happened."
Both families have established separate GoFundMe campaigns to cover funeral expenses and indicated the boys will be buried together.
"That's what they would want," Jones' family stated on their fundraising page.
Key Takeaways
- Damarion Jones, 16, allegedly accidentally shot Jonah Tanner, 13, with a 9mm handgun inside a Lincoln Avenue home in Syracuse
- Tanner was declared brain dead at an area hospital after being rushed there in critical condition
- Jones died of self-inflicted injuries shortly after the shooting
- Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick said Jones appeared 'guilt-ridden' following the incident
- The boys were described by their families as inseparable with a bond 'like brothers'
- Both families are raising funds for funerals and plan to bury the teens together
What's Next
The Syracuse Police Department continues investigating how the shooting occurred and how the juveniles obtained access to the firearm. No additional details about the investigation have been released.
Both boys will be laid to rest together in the coming weeks, their families said.