Two White teenagers in Alabama, Anthony Macpherson and Lucy Rutledge, have been charged with fatally shooting a 19-year-old Black man on the night of Thanksgiving – which was also his birthday – when he met them to purchase marijuana.
According to Fox 10, police said the accused, who are both seventeen, met up with the victim, Tavon Holder, at an apartment complex around Old Pascagoula Road. Macpherson allegedly shot Holder twice in the back, while Rutledge assisted.
The two have been charged with murder as well as unlawful distribution of a controlled substance. While Rutledge was released on bail after posting a $75,000 bond, Macpherson was still in custody as of December 2. His bail was set at $125,000.
Speaking with Fox 10, the victim’s mother, Natasha Myles, said she forgives her son’s killers, adding that their families were also in her thoughts.
“My heart goes out to them right now because they’re kids,” Myles said. “I’m not cold hearted. I’m crying for them too and I’m like, ‘Why?’”
Ashley Rich, District Attorney of Mobile County, Alabama, also said the incident should serve as a lesson to the young people in the community.
“This case is a person example to, especially young people in the community, that if you commit a Class A felony, a violent felony offense even at the age of 17, you’re charged as an adult,” she said. “And you go to adult jail, and you go face adult charges.”
The death of Holder has left his family “heartbroken”. The Black teen was described as a “respectful and kind young man” who “recently completed his basic training for the US Army, and planned to enroll back into the University of Kansas for the Spring Semester.”
A fundraiser has been set up to help raise funds to cover Holder’s funeral expenses.
