Whitney Harlow Robeson Obituary, Trussville, AL Shooting Death: Sorority Sister Allegedly Shot and Killed by Boyfriend’s Father

Whitney Harlow Robeson, a 22-year-old recent Auburn University graduate, died following a shooting inside a residence in Trussville on March 7, 2026, an incident that later resulted in a manslaughter charge after an extended investigation.

According to the Trussville Police Department, officers were called around 9:30 p.m. to a home in the 7700 block of Deer Trail after reports of a gunshot victim. When first responders arrived, they found Robeson suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced dead at 10:49 p.m.

The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office initially classified the incident as accidental. One individual was detained at the scene as investigators began gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. Authorities said the case remained under active review for approximately two months as detectives worked alongside the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office to reassess the circumstances.

On May 11, 2026, police announced that 54-year-old Jeffrey Scott Towers had been charged with manslaughter in connection with Robeson’s death. Towers, identified as the father of Robeson’s boyfriend, was taken into custody without incident and later released on bond. Officials have not publicly released detailed information explaining how the firearm was discharged or what specifically led to the fatal shooting, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Robeson was originally from Richmond, Virginia, and had recently graduated summa cum laude from Auburn University with a degree in interior design. She was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority and had begun working as a trade consultant at Restoration Hardware in Birmingham, where colleagues described her as driven, talented, and kind.

Her death has prompted widespread grief among family, friends, classmates, and members of the Auburn University community. Many have focused on remembering her academic achievements, her involvement in campus life, and the future she was beginning to build.

Authorities continue to investigate the case as it proceeds through the legal system, and no additional details have been released at this time.