x
Breaking News
More () »

Remembering Zaevion Dobson 3 years later

Dobson, a sophomore, was hanging out with friends on a front porch on the evening of Dec. 17, 2015 when gunmen or a gunman fired randomly in the Lonsdale neighborhood where he lived.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — It's been three years since Zaevion Dobson, 15, was killed while shielding his friends from gunfire. 

Dobson, a sophomore, was hanging out with friends on a front porch on the evening of Dec. 17, 2015 when gunshots were fired randomly in the Lonsdale neighborhood where he lived.

He blocked the shots with his body, saving friends Faith Gordon, 17, and Kiara Rucker, 16. They were on the front porch of Gordon's aunt. Dobson died that night.

RELATED: Community honors Zaevion Dobson two years after his death

A jury convicted Christopher Bassett, Kipling Colbert Jr., and Richard Williams in Dobson's death after a trial that lasted almost two weeks. 

RELATED: Zaevion Dobson murder trial: Bassett guilty of murder, Kipling and Colbert guilty of facilitation

The Change Center, which is being built in Dobson's honor, will open its doors on Friday.

RELATED: Change Center prepares to finally open its doors

There's a scholarship named for Dobson. Former President Barack Obama recognized Dobson, and ESPN posthumously granted him the prestigious Arthur Ashe Courage Award

At Fulton High School, there are signs and symbols that serve to honor Dobson.

A memorial wall for Zaevion Dobson is in Fulton High School. Investigators say Dobson was shielding friends from gunfire when he was shot and killed in Lonsdale in December 2015.
Fulton High School is retiring the jersey number worn by Zaevion Dobson.

RELATED: Fulton honors Zaevion Dobson at graduation

RELATED: Fulton High School seniors remember classmates Zaevion Dobson and Mekhi Luster

RELATED: Lonsdale Elementary holds 2nd Annual Zaevion Dobson Day

RELATED: Eric Berry Foundation to hold football camp in Knoxville in memory of Zaevion Dobson

Before You Leave, Check This Out