8-30-2016-ERNIE ALLEN’S-TOP STORY-
Two men were charged Thursday in the death of Zaevion Dobson, 15, of Knoxville,Tennessee, who died during an amazing act of courage.
Christopher Bassett and Richard Williams were charged with first-degree murder charges in Dobson’s death, including the attempted murder of eight other people, WATE reports. Bassett and Williams are each being held on a $1 million bond.
A spokesperson for the Knox County district attorney’s office announced additional charges for employing a firearm during a first-degree murder and attempted murder. According WATE, Bassett faces an additional charge of possessing a handgun as a felon.
Dobson, was a beloved member of the Knoxville, Tennessee community, known as a fun-loving football player at Fulton High School.
On December 17, Dobson along with a group of friends, including his brother Zack, were caught in the aftermath of a drive-by shooting. Dobson shielded two female friends, Faith Gordon, 17, and Kiara Rucker, 16, and was fatally wounded.
After his death, President Obama commemorated his act of courage in a tweet addressing gun violence, and in a speech on gun control.
In June, the ESPYS awarded Dobson with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, the evening’s highest honor. His family accepted the award on his behalf, bringing the crowd to tears after an emotional speech from his mother Zenobia, who is now a leading advocate on gun control reform.
SOURCES: WATE | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty, Twitter
Charise Frazier
