It takes a rare breed to be so young so brave in today’s society. Zaevion William Dobson was 15 years of age and not for one second did he hesitate when it came to protecting others, even when it meant giving up his own life. Dobson was sitting on a porch with his brother and a few friends in Knoxville, Tennessee at the time of the incident. Police are reporting that Dobson jumped in front of three girls to protect them when a sudden drive by sent bullets in their direction. Dobson was shot and killed by a single bullet. Police stated that the shooting was gang-related, and also feel that Dobson was not a target and have linked the gunshot that killed him to two other gang-related shootings from earlier that night.
Police stated that 46 year old Lisa Perry was shot as well, being struck in the lower back but is expected to survive. Perry’s son Brandon Perry then went with several other men driving around and then the police found Brandon Perry. Perry’s son who is 23 years of age was shot several times in his car that then crashed into a downtown apartment. He then died several hours later, police stated.
It is reported that is when Dobson was shot while protecting three other girls. ““I’m shocked. I’m really just shocked. I cant believe it, cant get it across my head,” states older brother, Zack Dobson. “We were just sitting on the porch chillin’, and we see these random dudes walking up.” “He was laying there, and I just pick him up and put him in my arms. He was dead,” per Dobson. “Unfortunately he wasn’t lucky, but he saved two lives.”
Dobson’s older brother states that “Why would you shoot at random bystanders. For nothing. We were just sitting there chilling,” states Dobson. “Zae, he was an awesome kid awesome brother. Just know that I miss him. I miss my brother.”
Police have taken into custody a person named Christopher D. Bassett, 20, that so far at this time has been charged plus being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, in addition to a violation of probation. More charges are pending at this time and he is being held without bond.
Everyone that remembers the young man said nothing but good things. Faith Gordon, one of the girls he saved, made a Twitter post after the shooting by stating “He died laying on top of me,”and also includes that “That’s my brother. Rest easy, Zae. I’ll never forget you.”
This past Friday, Gordon and more than 100 people stood in a candlelight vigil in Dobson’s honor and memory, where a sign as you entered says “Remembering Zaevion Dobson, Falcon 24”. To be so young to die, but to also be remembered as a hero on top of things should not even be in the same sentence at this time of his life. Such a sadness that is felt across for this young man as now it goes to his remaining friend and family as they mourn.
