Innocent 6-Year-Old Kingston Campbell Tragically Targeted in Home Shooting

Editors Note: This article is part of a series that focuses on American youth who lost their lives to gun violence, which is a significant cause of child mortality in the United States. To learn more about this project, click here.

Kingston Campbell, a frightened six-year-old boy, frequently sought solace from his older sisters and would join them in bed due to his fear of the dark. According to his mother, the girls were extremely protective of their younger sibling.

But they could not protect him the night of May 1, when Lynchburg, Virginia, police say several shooters fired multiple guns into the familys home, killing Kingston.

More about Kingston

Fatally shot on May 1

6 years old

Killed when several shooters fired at his home, according to Lynchburg, Virginia, police

The shooting remains under investigation and there have been no arrests

CNN was informed by Shay Fowler, Kingston's mother, that the sound of bullets caused a power outage in their household. It was during this period of darkness, which Kingston dreaded, that Shay found her son in the bed, a place where he sought solace frequently. With regret, Shay mentioned, "I had a feeling he was no longer with us even before I reached him."

Kingston's death, perpetrated by unknown individuals, adds to the staggering number of over 1,300 children killed by firearms in the United States this year, as reported by the Gun Violence Archive and federal data. Tragically, gun violence has now become the leading cause of death for American children and teenagers. The impact of this shooting on Kingston's father, Fowler, is immeasurable; it leaves him without the joy of waking his son up for school, helping him choose his clothes, washing his face, or giving him sweet kisses.

"Every day he would give me kisses," she said. "I really, really miss him."

The baby of the family

When meeting Kingston, the first thing that would catch your attention is his striking green eyes.

"He's undeniably good-looking," Fowler chuckled, responding to the question about how she would describe him. "His eyes always received compliments... all the women were smitten with them."

Kingston Campbell poses with his very protective big sisters.

According to his mother, he was an introverted child who enjoyed spending time indoors, engrossed in video games such as Fortnite or Roblox, rather than playing outside. He had a deep affection for his teddy bear and would constantly have it by his side, or alternatively, an action figure - with Spider-Man being his ultimate favorite.

His sisters despised that and would leave. If Kingston was unable to participate, they would refuse to play as well.

"He was undoubtedly the youngest member of the family, and they all treated him as such - including myself," she admitted. "We all indulged his every desire, no denying it."

Browse through additional profiles of children who have tragically lost their lives to gun violence.

Fowler mentioned that his teachers also had a similar approach. Kingston had a lighthearted personality and derived great pleasure from making others laugh. Even during his kindergarten days, he would often engage in comical behavior, such as doing push-ups instead of focusing on learning, which would cause his classmates to burst into laughter.

However, Fowler revealed that his teacher would often overlook Kingston's playful antics due to her fondness for him.

"Everybody just loved Kingston," she said. "You just wanted to treat him like hes your baby."

The things left undone

Kingston's occasional class distractions caused concern for his mother, but she reassured herself by acknowledging his genuine love for school and his intelligence. He had a particular affinity for numbers and had even mastered the skill of counting money shortly before his unfortunate demise. "We were immensely proud of him," his mother fondly remembered.

Kingston, the "baby" of his family, was "definitely handsome," his mother said.

Courtesy Shanytra Fowler

Now, Fowler runs down a list of things her son will never get to do or experience.

Kingston had a strong passion for sleek automobiles, eagerly anticipating the day when he would come of age and acquire the skills to drive. Additionally, he possessed an intense desire to partake in football, with his upcoming winter plans involving Fowler taking him to witness his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers in action.

"He'll be deprived of such experiences," Fowler expressed regretfully. "He won't be able to complete his education, advance to the next grade level, or even share moments with his sisters."

"He wanted it to snow on Christmas. He always wanted that," she said. "He just wanted to see the snow."