Mugshot of Ty’ryn Anthony Zah’rel Washington, 20, wanted on a manslaughter warrant after a 12-year-old was fatally shot in a Clayton apartment.
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Clayton Police Seek 20-Year-Old After 12-Year-Old Killed in Crowded Apartment Shooting

Phyllis Coley @phyllis_coley
Mugshot of Ty’ryn Anthony Zah’rel Washington, 20, wanted on a manslaughter warrant after a 12-year-old was fatally shot in a Clayton apartment.
Wanted: Ty’ryn Anthony Zah’rel Washington, 20, is sought on a manslaughter warrant after a 12-year-old was fatally shot inside a crowded Clayton apartment, police say. (Photo: Clayton Police Dept.)

CLAYTON, N.C. — A 12-year-old boy died after being shot inside a crowded apartment at Cobbler’s Station Friday evening, and police are now searching for Ty’ryn Anthony Zah’rel Washington, 20, of Kenly, who is wanted on a manslaughter warrant in connection with the case, authorities said.

What Happened

  • Friday, ~5:30 p.m. (Nov. 28): Clayton Police responded to a weapons-related disturbance in the 300 block of Commodore St.
  • As officers gathered information, people ran from an apartment in the 400 block shouting that someone had been shot.
  • Inside, officers found a 12-year-old with a gunshot wound. Johnston County EMS treated the child, who later died at the hospital.

A Crowded Apartment & An “Accidental” Discharge

Witnesses told officers 20–30 people were inside the apartment when the gun fired. As police arrived, some individuals attempted to hide weapons; during that scramble, one weapon discharged, striking the child, according to initial accounts.

Suspect Identified; Warrant Issued

Following interviews, investigators determined Ty’ryn Anthony Zah’rel Washington had the firearm in his hand when it discharged. After consultation with the Johnston County District Attorney’s Office, police obtained a warrant for manslaughter.
Washington fled the scene and remains at large.

Call for Information

Anyone with information about this case or Washington’s whereabouts is urged to contact Clayton Police at 919-553-4611 or the Johnston County non-emergency line at 919-934-9411.