- Whitney Harlow Robeson, 22, was fatally shot in Trussville, Alabama, just weeks after starting her dream career in interior design.
- Her boyfriend's father, 54-year-old Jeffrey Scott Towers, has been charged with manslaughter in connection to the shooting.
- The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office reportedly ruled the shooting accidental, but a manslaughter warrant was still issued after an investigation.
TRUSSVILLE, ALABAMA — A recent Auburn University graduate who had just started her dream career in interior design was fatally shot inside an Alabama home, and the father of her boyfriend is now facing a manslaughter charge. The case adds to other tragedies involving young women whose futures were cut short, including one where a teen gunman was charged with murdering a college basketball star at a house party.
Whitney Harlow Robeson, 22, was found with a gunshot wound at a home in Trussville on March 7. Police said officers responded to the residence around 9:30 p.m. after receiving a report of a person suffering from a gunshot wound.
Robeson was rushed to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly before 11 p.m.
Boyfriend’s Father Charged
More than 2 months after the shooting, investigators arrested 54-year-old Jeffrey Scott Towers.
The Trussville Police Department said Towers was taken into custody on May 11 after detectives obtained an arrest warrant. He was charged with manslaughter and booked into the Jefferson County Jail on a $30,000 bond.
Towers is the father of Robeson’s boyfriend, according to reports. Investigators have not publicly released the full details of how the shooting happened.
Shooting Reportedly Ruled Accidental
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office reportedly ruled the shooting accidental. However, after what police described as an extensive investigation, detectives still obtained the manslaughter warrant against Towers.
Towers’ attorneys said he has no criminal history and described him as a productive, upstanding citizen. They said they believe the facts will show he is not guilty of the charge.
Dream Career Had Just Begun
Robeson was from Virginia and graduated from Auburn University in May 2025 with a degree in interior design.
Just weeks before her death, she had started working as a trade consultant at Restoration Hardware, a role her obituary described as the career she had dreamed of since childhood.
Her family said she was in the full bloom of her youth and remembered her for her grace, loyalty, generosity, and faith.
Loved Ones Mourn Promising Life
Robeson was a member of Delta Gamma while at Auburn and was remembered by the university community for her kindness, integrity, and deep faith.
Her obituary said those who knew her were touched by her radiant personality and that her family will carry her memory wherever they go.
Towers was later released on bond as the case continues through the court system.
To watch more cases about young women killed by gunfire, check out our video here:
