SOUTH BEND, Ind. — A jury found a 21-year-old man guilty of murder in connection with the tragic shooting death of an 11-year-old boy in April 2023. The verdict was reached on Friday, marking a significant milestone in a case that has stirred the local community.
Dominick Williams was convicted for the killing of T’yon Horston, a sixth grader at Jefferson Traditional School. Horston lost his life in the 600 block of North Johnson Street, where he was shot during an incident that shocked local residents. The jury, however, acquitted Williams of an additional firearm enhancement charge.
The shooting incident garnered widespread attention, and the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office emphasized the gravity of the case. Williams was arrested about a month after the shooting in Indianapolis, following an investigation that reportedly linked his cellphone to the scene of the crime at the time of the incident.
As the community mourns the loss of T’yon, the case continues to raise questions about youth violence and its impact on families. Local advocates have called for increased efforts to address the root causes of such tragedies, hoping for a path toward healing and prevention.
Williams is scheduled for sentencing on January 16, 2026. In Indiana, the sentencing range for murder is typically between 45 and 65 years. Following the jury’s decision, the court mandated that he remain in the St. Joseph County Jail until his sentencing date.
The loss of young lives due to gun violence resonates deeply within the South Bend community. Residents are grappling with the emotional aftermath of this case, while also reflecting on the urgent need for change in addressing violence among youth.
As this story unfolds, local leaders are urged to prioritize discussions on violence prevention and community support systems to ensure that such tragedies do not recur.