Oklahoma City was left in shock and sorrow on Sunday after two teenagers lost their lives in separate shootings. The heartbreaking incidents have left two school communities devastated as they mourn the loss of young lives full of potential. Authorities are still searching for suspects in both cases and are urging the public to come forward with any information that could help bring justice to the victims and their families.
The first tragedy occurred early Sunday morning near Northwest 122nd Street and Rockwell Avenue. Sixteen-year-old Kayden Haywood, a student at Douglass High School, was shot and rushed to a nearby hospital by emergency responders. Despite their efforts, Kayden did not survive. His death has left his school community heartbroken, and Douglass High School has offered crisis counseling to students and staff as they grapple with the loss of a young life taken too soon. Friends and teachers remember Kayden as a bright and kind-hearted student who had a promising future ahead of him.
Later that same night, another shooting shook the city, this time at an apartment complex in southeast Oklahoma City near Southeast 46th Street and Sunnylane Road. Officers arrived to find 16-year-old Jashaun Cheatom suffering from a gunshot wound. He was rushed to OU Health but tragically succumbed to his injuries. Jashaun was a junior at Del City High School and a dedicated member of the school’s football team. His coach described him as a determined and hardworking athlete who brought energy and passion to the field. Teammates and friends are struggling to come to terms with the loss of someone who was not only a talented player but also a beloved friend.
While the two shootings do not appear to be related, the Oklahoma City Police Department has yet to make any arrests. Master Sgt. Gary Knight emphasized the need for public assistance, stating, “This is certainly one where we need the public’s help.” Authorities are urging anyone with information about either incident to come forward and contact the Oklahoma City Police Department.
As the investigations continue, the communities of Douglass High School and Del City High School are united in grief, remembering Kayden and Jashaun as young men who touched the lives of those around them. Their deaths serve as a painful reminder of the impact of gun violence and the urgent need for solutions to prevent such tragedies in the future.
