Teen Arrested After Fatal Shooting at Fort Wayne’s Tillman Park; 20-Year-Old Eriyn White Identified as Victim
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FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Tragedy at Tillman Park: Teen Arrested After Fatal Shooting Leaves One Dead, Another Injured
A somber cloud hangs over Fort Wayne following a fatal shooting that shattered the peace of a late-night gathering at Tillman Park on Monday, June 23. What began as a summer evening party ended in chaos, bloodshed, and loss, as gunfire erupted shortly before midnight, leaving one young man dead and another critically wounded.
Authorities have since arrested 17-year-old Josiyah Derrick in connection with the incident. The teen is facing preliminary charges of murder and unlawful possession of a handgun after allegedly opening fire during a confrontation at the park and later confessing to the shooting on social media.
A Night of Celebration Turns Deadly
According to the Fort Wayne Police Department, officers were dispatched to Tillman Park around 11:50 p.m. following multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots. When they arrived, they found two male victims suffering from gunshot wounds. One of the victims, 20-year-old Eriyn Brionne White, was unresponsive and later pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim, whose identity has not been released, was rushed to a nearby hospital and remains in critical condition.
Witnesses told investigators that a large group had gathered at the park earlier that evening for an informal party, complete with music and food. However, as the night wore on, tensions reportedly flared between several attendees, leading to a verbal altercation that quickly escalated into violence.
Shocking Confession on Social Media
The investigation took a dramatic turn just hours after the shooting when Josiyah Derrick allegedly posted a video and a series of cryptic messages on social media, alluding to his involvement. Detectives monitoring the suspect’s online activity used the posts to track him down. He was arrested without incident early Tuesday morning at a residence on Fort Wayne’s southeast side.
Authorities say Derrick was in illegal possession of a handgun at the time of the shooting, as Indiana law prohibits individuals under the age of 18 from carrying firearms. The weapon believed to have been used has since been recovered and is being tested for ballistic evidence.
While formal charges are still pending, Derrick is currently being held at the Allen County Juvenile Detention Center. Prosecutors are expected to seek a waiver to try him as an adult, given the severity of the allegations.
Remembering Eriyn Brionne White
The victim, Eriyn Brionne White, was a 20-year-old Fort Wayne native with deep roots in the community. Friends and family describe him as intelligent, kind-hearted, and full of potential. He had recently started working in the automotive industry and was saving to enroll in college this fall.
“He was the kind of person who would give you his last dollar or the shirt off his back,” said his sister, Amina White. “We’re heartbroken. He didn’t deserve this.”
A memorial of candles, flowers, and handwritten notes now sits at the site in Tillman Park where White lost his life. Community members gathered Tuesday evening for a vigil, sharing stories, offering prayers, and demanding action against gun violence that continues to plague the city’s youth.
Rising Concerns Over Youth Violence
The incident has reignited concerns over the surge in gun-related crimes involving teenagers in Fort Wayne and other parts of Indiana. Local leaders and community advocates are calling for increased intervention, including youth outreach programs, mental health services, and stricter enforcement of gun laws.
“This is yet another tragic example of what happens when guns and unresolved conflict intersect,” said Fort Wayne City Councilman Glynn Hines. “We need to give our young people more resources, more direction, and better alternatives.”
Police Chief Steve Reed emphasized the importance of cooperation in ongoing investigations. “We are urging anyone who was at Tillman Park that night to come forward with information. The more we know, the more we can hold people accountable and bring justice to the victims.”
Next Steps in the Legal Process
Josiyah Derrick is expected to make his first court appearance later this week. Prosecutors have indicated that they will file formal charges shortly, and the case is likely to draw significant public attention, especially if Derrick is tried as an adult.
The investigation remains active, and anyone with photos, videos, or firsthand accounts from the scene is encouraged to contact the Fort Wayne Police Department or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
A City Searching for Healing
As the White family prepares to lay their loved one to rest, Fort Wayne is once again forced to confront the harsh realities of violence and the long shadow it casts over families and communities. In the aftermath of this tragedy, there are calls not just for justice—but for change.
“Eriyn was loved. He had dreams. He mattered,” said his cousin, Terrence Lawson. “We can’t bring him back, but we can work to make sure his death isn’t just another statistic. We have to do better—for our kids and for our city.”