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Rodshawn Malik Barnes

Age 16

Wilson, North Carolina

His mother was sleeping next door

He was a basketball star who made the all-A honor roll at Community Christian School in Wilson, North Carolina.

Sixteen years old, he lived on Huntsmoor Lane. He was in his room playing video games with friends when police were called for a medical emergency. Before they got there, his friends took him to the hospital, then fled. His mother was sleeping next door.

Rodshawn Malik Barnes died from a gunshot wound. Three friends surrendered to police and were charged with involuntary manslaughter, but police “would not elaborate” on his death.

By Judy Zhang · Age 16
Meet the Reporters

More than 300 athletes

Natwan Kian Holyfield

Supposed to go to homecoming, prom

Ra’Quan Darius Jones

Didn’t get to see his GED

Kendrick D. Davis

Not quite clear on his dreams

Orlando Myron Anderson Jr.

He was so full of life

Vicente Valero III

He was a modern Renaissance man

Ricky Lamar Green Jr.

His children never saw him box

Ta Quan Pinkney

Bright future; gone too soon

Zyhame Kila Jones

An artist, basketball player and car-lover

Jayden Fondeur

His older brother found him first

Elisha Amon Cole

Dreaming big, working on his portfolio

James Alexzander Shorter

He’ll never taste grandma’s cookies again

Jeremiah Ascencio

Last moments spent cradling his brother

Jontae Billups-Brooks

An athlete and a music lover

Avi Liam Franco

He loved to learn and explore

Brandon Nathan Tyson

Friday night lights end in tragedy

Lorenzo Moore-Vaughn

About to start his senior year

Jovontia Antonio Jones

A runner grieved by seven siblings

Ray Glasgow III

Bench wears jersey instead of captain

Taveon Donte' Brooks

Basketball point guard, would-be rapper

Sharon Castro

She always helped those who struggled