In Jacksonville, Florida, a tragic incident that occurred in May has led to the arrest of a woman suspected of manslaughter. Aniyah Womack, 19, was fatally shot in the stomach with a rifle being used as a prop while filming TikTok videos. She was later abandoned at a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office announced that their investigation into the May 24 shooting led to the arrest of Mariah Jynnae Clayton, 20, also a Florida resident. Clayton was apprehended on October 6 and is currently held in Jacksonville jail on a $250,000 bond.
The incident took place in the bathroom of a friend’s apartment where Womack and Clayton were reportedly filming TikTok videos. Witnesses in the apartment reported that Clayton was holding the rifle as Womack filmed her emerging from the shower with the weapon. Despite warnings from another man in the apartment not to play with the gun, the firearm discharged while still in Clayton’s possession.
On the night of the shooting, Womack was driven to the hospital by two individuals, including Clayton. Clayton initially told police that she and the driver found Womack walking along the road and decided to take her to the hospital. However, the driver’s account differed, stating that he had driven to the apartment where Womack and Clayton were after purchasing marijuana. Upon his arrival, he was informed that Womack had shot herself and needed to be taken to the hospital.
Womack’s family continues to seek justice for their loved one. They remember her as a vibrant young woman whose smile and personality will be deeply missed.