TROY, Ala. (WSFA) – La’Tavion Johnson was a young man who lived for his family and friends. Just 18 years old, he was already ready to begin his career next week with the Alabama Department of Transportation.

This dream came to an abrupt end early Sunday morning when gunshots ring out at party at Tuskegee University amid the homecoming festivities.

When the shooting stopped, Johnson was dead and at least 16 other people were injured. A dozen of those injuries were caused by gunfire, authorities said.

It’s a call no parent wants to receive, but Tamika and Larry Johnson’s world was shattered when friends on campus called to tell them their son had been killed.

Friends, family and the community gathered at their home in Troy on Monday to let them know they are not alone in this situation. It was here that the grieving parents spoke to the media about their son’s life, which was all about the people he loved.

Those who knew La’Tavion Johnson described him as a “quick soul,” and his mother jokingly described him as a “mama’s boy,” but non-jokingly told the media, “That was my baby.” .

“She was a loving person,” her father said. He began to exclaim, “The life he had…” but could not finish the thought because of his pain.

The family was already mourning another child when this tragedy struck. La’Tavion Johnson’s sister recently died, leaving behind a son. The teenager was helping the family raise his nephew.

“So being here again, seeing them cry, it hurts,” said his aunt, Shajuana Jackson.

As they grieve, the Johnsons plan to honor their son’s life and fight for justice and change. Larry Johnson said he plans to urge more people to put down their guns.

“If only I could reach just one person and end gun violence.” It really hurts, it hurts. You miss your child because someone wants to shoot,” he said through tears.

La’Tavion Johnson’s parents weren’t the only ones emotional as they remembered their loved one. He also had a girlfriend, Jalyn Youngblood. The couple planned a future together, even discussing how many children they would have.

“I feel like I planned my whole life with someone, and now they’re gone. I don’t know what to do anymore,” Youngblood said.

“Everyone loved him, and it’s really heartbreaking that he had to die this way,” she said.

Some of his cousins ​​and friends who accompanied him to the block party talked about how he was dancing and having fun before the chaos started.

Her friend Janyla Avery, who was among those injured but survived, said: “All we wanted to do was have fun. And one thing about us is that we never leave each other’s side. We’re all getting together, everyone’s going to leave together, and I don’t really understand.

One person was arrested for the crime, but has not been charged for the actual shooting. Jaquez Myrick, 25, of Montgomery, is federally charged with possession of a machine gun.

It is unclear what will happen next with the charges as the investigation continues.

The mass shooting prompted immediate changes to campus safety protocols. At a news conference Monday, Tuskegee University President Mark Brown said that starting today, identification will be required for anyone visiting campus. Additionally, the head of campus security has been fired and replaced, and the entire security team will be reviewed.

Brown noted that the event during which the shooting occurred was not sanctioned by Tuskegee University.

Officials did not reveal a motive for the shooting nor did they answer questions at the news conference. Johnson’s family said they also did not know the motive and did not know they suspected.

Funeral arrangements for Johnson have not yet been announced.

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