Fort Worth Teens Killed in Separate Shootings Raise Gun Access Concerns

Back-to-back deaths of 15- and 16-year-olds leave families grieving as experts push safe storage solutions.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:39am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing on a pitch-black background, the harsh flash illuminating the metallic texture and form of the object in a stark, investigative style.The devastating impact of youth access to firearms is felt across Fort Worth as families grieve preventable tragedies.Fort Worth Today

Two separate shooting incidents in Fort Worth, Texas have resulted in the deaths of a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old, highlighting concerns over youth access to firearms. In the first incident, 15-year-old Prince Washington was killed in a drive-by shooting while inside his home. Days later, 16-year-old Jaydon Jones was accidentally shot and killed by another 16-year-old friend. Authorities and medical experts are emphasizing the importance of safe firearm storage to prevent such tragedies.

Why it matters

These incidents underscore the ongoing issue of gun violence involving minors in the Fort Worth area, raising questions about how young people are obtaining firearms and the need for better education and policies around safe storage to protect children.

The details

In the first incident, 15-year-old Prince Washington was killed in a drive-by shooting while inside his South Fort Worth home. Police said gunfire was exchanged outside the residence, and bullets struck the house, hitting Washington. Just days later, 16-year-old Jaydon Jones was accidentally shot and killed inside a Fort Worth apartment by another 16-year-old. Investigators said the other teen accidentally fired the gun, striking Jones in the chest.

  • On April 5, 2026, 15-year-old Prince Washington was killed in a drive-by shooting at his home.
  • On April 6, 2026, 16-year-old Jaydon Jones was accidentally shot and killed by another 16-year-old in a Fort Worth apartment.

The players

Prince Washington

A 15-year-old who was killed in a drive-by shooting at his home in South Fort Worth.

Jaydon Jones

A 16-year-old who was accidentally shot and killed by another 16-year-old in a Fort Worth apartment.

Tracy Carter

A Fort Worth Police Officer who stated that the incidents underscore the problem of too many kids having access to guns.

Dr. Daniel Guzman

A physician at Cook Children's Medical Center who treats gunshot victims and emphasizes the importance of safe firearm storage to prevent such tragedies.

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What they’re saying

“We are seeing far too many kids having access to guns and this is sometimes the result.”

— Tracy Carter, Fort Worth Police Officer

“Preventable. These things are preventable.”

— Dr. Daniel Guzman, Physician, Cook Children's Medical Center

“You also have to provide tools for them to be able to lock up that firearm, whether it's a gun lock or gun safe.”

— Dr. Daniel Guzman, Physician, Cook Children's Medical Center

What’s next

Cook Children's 'Aim for Safety' program plans to continue distributing free or low-cost gun locks and educating families on safe firearm storage practices in the Fort Worth community.

The takeaway

These tragic incidents underscore the urgent need for better education, policies, and access to safe storage solutions to prevent young people from gaining unsupervised access to firearms and reduce the number of preventable gun-related deaths and injuries.