Fantasia Barrino’s nephew shot and killed in North Carolina

A 21-year old has been charged and arrested for the shooting.

The 18-year-old nephew of the American Idol winner died after an argument with another man outside a Greensboro, N.C., apartment

theGrio featured stories

The 18-year-old nephew of American Idol star, Fantasia Barrino was reportedly shot and killed outside of an apartment building in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Local police confirmed that Tyquan Von Ricco Washington was killed after an argument on Tuesday morning turned deadly, according to officials. Washington had allegedly fought with David Lee White, Jr., 21, who has now been charged with first-degree murder for the shooting, according to the Daily Mail. 

READ MORE: REGINA KING BREAKS HEARTS IN NEW MOVIE

Although Washington was taken to Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital, he was ultimately pronounced dead of multiple gunshot wounds.

Like his aunt and his father, Washington had aspired to break into the musical industry and had reportedly made his own mix tape.

Tributes to a loved one lost

Barrino took to Instagram to post a throwback image of herself with her nephew and wrote, “Ty… Auntie is so sorry baby. RIP to my Oldest Nephew. Please pray for his mother and my brother & his stepdad.”

Barrino’s brother, Ricco, who is Washington’s father, also shared a moving tribute to his son.

“Dear son I needed to write this sooner but it’s funny how life make you aware of your own unconscious procrastinations… I wanted you to know that from the depths of my heart your daddy loves you and he always has,” he wrote. “As I write this letter with tears streaming down my face I want you to know that I showed you tough love because I knew you were something special.”

In a letter penned in his son’s memory, Ricco also wrote about celebrating his son’s birthday last year and letting him know he was never far from his thoughts.

READ MORE: CARDI B ADDS TO HER SECURITY TEAM

“I’ll never forget (your 18th) birthday I was smiling from ear to ear telling everybody in the studio that my son is finally becoming a man. I wanted to be there every day for you and there wasn’t a day that went by I didn’t wonder where you were,” he reflected.

“Well, on this day you became a bigger man when you put on a pair of wings and did what I have yet to do… So you show me your leadership skills… you go join hands with your grandma and kiss for me. You sing loud for me up there. Love, dad.”

Police have yet to determine a motive in the shooting.

Mentioned in this article:

More About: