A tragic incident in Syracuse, New York, has resulted in the deaths of two teenagers. Damarion Jones, 16, died by suicide last Wednesday after accidentally shooting and killing his 13-year-old best friend, Jonah Tanner.
According to Onondaga County prosecutors, the shooting occurred inside a home. Tanner was found in critical condition and later declared brain dead, subsequently being removed from life support. Jones died at the scene.
Syracuse Police Chief Mark Rusin confirmed that a handgun was recovered at the scene, but further details regarding the circumstances of the shooting have not yet been released.
The families of both boys have announced they will be buried together. A GoFundMe page established by Jones's mother, Lakiesha Brown, described her son as a kind and loving individual. She stated that Damarion and Jonah were inseparable and shared a bond like brothers. "In the midst of a heartbreaking tragedy that claimed his best friend's life, Damarion could not bear the pain of what had happened," Brown wrote on the fundraising page. "Within moments, we lost Damarion too. In the span of just a few minutes, two young lives were gone, leaving their families and everyone who loved them with unimaginable heartbreak."
Tanner's mother, Dayvonna Jones, also shared her grief in a separate fundraising appeal, describing Jonah and his best friend as inseparable. "Their friendship brought so much joy and love to our lives, and their bond was truly special," she wrote. "Tragically, we lost both boys on the same night, and the pain is overwhelming."
District Attorney William Fitzpatrick described the event as "utterly heartbreaking," noting that Jones apparently took his own life due to guilt.
If you or someone you know needs help, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988 in the U.S. An online chat is also available at 988lifeline.org.