A 54-year-old Alabama man is facing criminal charges after authorities say he fatally shot his son’s girlfriend, a recent Auburn University graduate who had recently begun her career in interior design.
Whitney Harlow Robeson, 22, died on March 7 after suffering a gunshot wound at a residence in Trussville, located northeast of Birmingham, according to local authorities.
Emergency responders arrived at the home on Deer Trail around 9:30 p.m. and transported Robeson to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Following what police described as an “extensive investigation,” Trussville police announced the arrest of Jeffrey Scott Towers, the father of Robeson’s boyfriend. Towers has been charged with reckless manslaughter in connection with the shooting.
Public records indicate that both Towers and his son lived at the address where the shooting occurred. Court documents released so far have not publicly detailed the exact circumstances surrounding the incident beyond the allegation that Towers shot Robeson.
In a statement released through attorneys John Amari and Dain Stewart, Towers’ legal team described the incident as a “tragic event” and stated that he intends to contest the allegations.
“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,” the attorneys said.
According to local reporting, Robeson’s death was initially classified as accidental when first reported to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office.
Robeson, originally from Virginia, had recently graduated summa cum laude from Auburn University’s interior design program. Family members said she had dreamed of working in interior design since childhood, inspired by home renovation programs on HGTV.
She had recently begun working as a trade consultant for RH, formerly known as Restoration Hardware, marking the start of what loved ones described as her dream career.
Authorities confirmed that Towers was released after posting a $30,000 bond. He is scheduled to return to court on July 22.
The investigation remains ongoing.
