Fantasia's 18-year-old nephew Tyquan Vonricco Washington died of multiple gunshot wounds following an argument in Greensboro, N.C.
- Feb 15, 2018
AceShowbiz - Fantasia Barrino is mourning the death of her nephew who was fatally shot on Wednesday, February 14. Tyquan Vonricco Washington, 18, died of multiple gunshot wounds in front of a home in Greensboro, North Carolina, police have confirmed.
The winner of "American Idol" season 3 wrote on social media along with her photo with young Tyquan and another photo of a grown-up Tyquan, "Ty Auntie is So Sorry Baby. RIP to my Oldest Nephew Please Pray for his Mother and my Brother @riccobarrino & his Stepdad."
Tyquan was shot after an argument at a residential complex that spilled out into the street, but the nature of the dispute is currently unclear. TMZ reports that paramedics attempted life-saving measures on Tyquan and he was transported to Moses Cone Hospital, but died shortly after.
The Greensboro Police Department have arrested the suspect, 21-year-old David Lee White, Jr., who currently remains in jail. He has been charged with first degree murder and is being held without bond in the Guilford County Jail.
Tyquan is the son of Fantasia's musician brother, Ricco. Ricco tells TMZ that he's completely devastated because he didn't get to see his son on Tuesday morning like he usually does, and now he's dead.
Ricco also posted a tribute to his son on Instagram, writing "a love letter to my son." He wrote, "dear son I needed to write this sooner but it's funny how life make you aware of your own unconscious procrastinations. I wanted you to know that from the depths of my heart your daddy loves you and he always has."
"As I write this letter with tears streaming down my face I want you to know that I showed you tough love because I knew you were something special," he continued the touching tribute. " I'll never forget that birthday I was smiling from ear to ear telling everybody in the studio that my son is finally becoming a man. I wanted to be there every day for you and there wasn't a day that went by I didn't wonder where you were."
"Well on this day you became a bigger man when you put on a pair of wings and did what I have yet to do. So you show me your leadership skills. you go join hands with your grandma and kiss for me. You sing loud for me up there. Love dad. R.i.p T.W," he ended the letter.
Fantasia's family has been facing another tragedy as her brother Xavier has been hospitalized for months while recovering from a critical motorcycle injury.