> At a Glance
> – Brynnlee Hampton, 15, died from a gunshot while riding in a car after a party on Jan. 1
> – Jeremiah Luke Lajuan Matthews, 17, has been charged with felony manslaughter
> – Landrey Korde Matthews, 17, faces evidence-tampering charges
> – Why it matters: The tragedy highlights the deadly consequences of mishandled firearms among minors
A New Year’s celebration turned fatal when Brynnlee Hampton, a 15-year-old National Honor Society student and volleyball standout, was shot in a car packed with eight teens. The incident occurred minutes after midnight in Amarillo, Texas.
The Shooting
While leaving a party, witnesses told police that Jeremiah Matthews waved a gun inside the vehicle, pointing it at passengers before the weapon discharged. Hampton, seated in the front passenger seat, sustained a fatal wound.
The driver pulled over, and officers quickly found a single bullet hole and blood on the seat. Hampton was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Charges Filed
| Defendant | Charge | Bail |
|---|---|---|
| Jeremiah Luke Lajuan Matthews | Felony manslaughter (2nd-degree) | $500,000 |
| Landrey Korde Matthews | Tampering with evidence (3rd-degree) | $250,000 |
Both 17-year-olds were booked into the Potter County Detention Center on Jan. 1. Landrey is accused of tossing the firearm down the street after the shot was fired.
Remembering Brynnlee
Her volleyball team posted:
> “Our hearts are broken. Our volleyball family is mourning the tragic loss of one of our own. Brynnlee was a light on and off the court.”
A GoFundMe organized for funeral costs describes the teen as:
- Very athletic and passionate about volleyball
- Just inducted into the National Honor Society
- Deeply devoted to her family and faith
Key Takeaways
- Eight teens were in the car during the fatal mishandling of a gun
- Two 17-year-old boys face felony charges stemming from the incident
- Hampton’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from her school and community
As investigators finalize their report, Hampton’s classmates and teammates continue to honor her memory both online and on the court.
