Alabama Man Charged in Fatal Shooting of Son’s 22-Year-Old Girlfriend as Community Reels

In March 2026, authorities reported that a 22-year-old woman had died of a gunshot wound in Trussville, Alabama. The victim was identified as Whitney Harlow Robeson. Police initially ruled the shooting an accident.

Now, more than two months later, authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with the case. Authorities took 54-year-old Jeffrey Scott Towers into custody. The man happens to be the father of Robeson’s boyfriend, Brandon Towers.

Robeson was at Towers’ home in the 7700 block of Deer Trail, Trussville, when she was shot. The incident took place on March 7 at about 9:30 p.m. First responders arrived at the scene and rushed Robeson to UAB-St. Vincent’s East Hospital. However, she was pronounced dead more than one hour later.

While the Jefferson County Coroner's Office initially called it an accidental shooting, they continued to investigate the case. After an extensive probe, investigators arrested Towers on May 11 and charged him with manslaughter. He was booked into the Jefferson County Jail on May 11.

However, Towers soon posted a $30,000 bond and was released. Towers will now appear in court on a date yet to be scheduled. He is being represented by John Amari and Dain Stewart of Amari Law Firm. The lawyers maintain that their client is innocent.

“What happened to Ms. Robeson was a tragic event. While we understand that the justice system must play out, we know that the facts will show that Mr. Towers has no criminal history, has been a productive and upstanding citizen for his entire life, and is not guilty of these charges,” Amari and Stewart said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Robeson’s family and friends continue to grieve. The family revealed the victim had graduated with a bachelor's degree in interior design in May 2025. Just a few weeks before her death, she had landed a job as a trade consultant with Restoration Hardware in Birmingham, Alabama.

According to Robeson’s family, she had a bright future ahead of her, but the tragedy cut her life short. “Whitney was a rare kind of light — consistent, brilliant and endlessly present in the lives she touched. She is remembered as their sunshine, whose joy and radiance continue to glow in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her,” her obituary read.

“Whitney's drive and determination produced designs and projects that inspired and awed those who viewed them, leaving a lasting influence on those around her. Her strong work ethic served as an inspiration for others, reflecting the same passion and intentionality she brought to every aspect of her life,” it further read.

Robeson’s friends also fondly remembered her as someone who always had a smile on her face. “She was always smiling, always down to have fun. Every time you saw her, she had a smile on her face. I think everyone would say that Whitney was a friend to all,” her friend, Emmy Ferris, stated.