The family of an Auburn University graduate who police say was fatally shot by her boyfriend’s father has filed a wrongful death lawsuit.
Victim and Incident
Whitney Harlow Robeson, 22, was allegedly shot on March 7 while visiting the home of her boyfriend’s father, Jeffrey Scott Towers, in Trussville, Alabama. Towers, 54, was showing Robeson and his son a collection of antique firearms in the attic when a .22-caliber revolver discharged, striking Robeson in the chest. She was taken to a hospital but later died.
Cause of Death
Jefferson County Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates confirmed Robeson’s cause of death as “injury to left lung, heart, and aorta, due to gunshot wound of chest,” and classified the manner of death as homicide.
Allegations in Lawsuit
The family claims Towers “owed a duty of care” in handling firearms and failed to check if the gun was loaded or pointed it safely. The complaint alleges negligence in controlling the firearm and seeks unspecified damages to be determined at a jury trial.
Criminal Charges
Towers was arrested on May 11 on a manslaughter charge and released on a $30,000 bond. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Statements from Parties
Robeson’s attorney, Andrew Moak, called the incident a “tragic and unnecessary death.” Towers’ lawyers, John Amari and Dain Stewart, stated that Towers has no criminal history and maintains he is not guilty of the charges.
Victim Background
Robeson, a Richmond, Virginia native, graduated from Auburn University in May 2025 and was pursuing a career in interior design. Her obituary described her as someone whose “radiant soul” touched all who knew her.
