Zaelyn Braxton : “Teen Fatality: Vape Pen Dispute Claims 16-Year-Old’s Life in Gulfport”

Tragic Shooting Incident Leaves 16-Year-Old Zaelyn Braxton Dead

GULFPORT, Miss. (WJTV) – In a heartbreaking turn of events, a 16-year-old boy lost his life following a heated dispute over the sale of a vape pen. Gulfport police have reported that Zaelyn Braxton was fatally shot during the argument, which took place in the early hours of February 12 on Kenwood Drive.

Authorities were alerted to the shooting after receiving an emergency call at approximately 2:15 a.m. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered Braxton’s lifeless body at the entrance of a residence.

According to investigators, the altercation unfolded when 18-year-old Elijah Eckford visited Braxton’s location. The disagreement quickly escalated, centered around the transaction involving the vape pen. Eckford allegedly opened fire on Braxton before fleeing the area in a bid to evade justice.

Police have identified the driver of the suspects’ vehicle as 21-year-old Tai’shawn Holloway. Another individual, 21-year-old Christopher Fletcher, was also present in the vehicle. Holloway reportedly transported Eckford to Kenwood Drive, waited nearby, and hastily picked him up after the gunshots rang out, facilitating his escape from the crime scene.

Eckford has been taken into custody and charged with second-degree murder. Holloway, on the other hand, faces charges of being an accessory after the fact. Fletcher has been charged with possession of marijuana.

Related: Clarksdale Teen Fatally Shot in Head

In a separate incident that highlights the ongoing gun violence plaguing Mississippi, a teenager from Clarksdale was tragically shot in the head. For more information on this incident, please click here.

All three suspects are currently being held at the Harrison County Adult Detention Center until their bonds can be set by a judge.

Members of the community who have any information about this tragic shooting are urged to contact Gulfport police at 228-868-5959 or Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers at 877-787-5898.