On May 24, 2023, a video recording session in Jacksonville, Florida took a tragic turn, leading to the death of a young participant.
Aniyah Womack, 19, was working with Mariah Clayton, 20, to produce a TikTok video, which involved using a rifle as a visual prop.
The scene was set in a bathroom. Clayton, after coming out of the shower, was seen holding the rifle, and Womack was behind the camera. A young man, who was also present, attempted to warn them about the potential dangers of the weapon. As he reached out to Clayton, the firearm discharged, injuring Womack in her midsection.
Shortly after the incident, Womack was dropped off alone at a local hospital. Despite medical efforts, she passed away around 4 am due to her injuries. The subsequent investigation by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office identified Clayton as a key person of interest.
Clayton, when questioned, lied, claiming that she found Womack injured by the road and tried to help her. This narrative was challenged by the driver who transported Womack to the hospital, asserting he was informed about the injury after visiting the apartment.
Acting on information from the community initiative Mad Dads, the authorities arrested Clayton on October 6. She remains in custody with bail set at $250,000. Her alleged mishandling of the firearm, which led to Womack’s death, has resulted in her facing manslaughter charges.