A Washington state man has been sentenced for a tragic incident that took the life of a young father of two. Artavious Zyshue Magee, 24, will spend 13 years and four months in prison for the shooting of Lehman “Charrod” Tucker, a man who was simply trying to break up a fight. Magee had pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in connection with the April 18, 2023, shooting.
The heartbreaking chain of events unfolded outside an apartment in Tacoma, Washington. According to prosecutors, the trouble began when Audrianna Young, Magee’s codefendant, confronted her ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend. The couple had recently announced they were expecting a child, which allegedly upset Young.
Prosecutors said Young sent threatening text messages to her ex-boyfriend, including a picture of herself holding a handgun and the words, “Come outside.” Another message reportedly said, “I’m gonna light that house up.” These messages set the stage for what would later turn into a deadly encounter.
On that day, Tucker, who was friends with Young’s ex-boyfriend, tried to intervene. Unfortunately, he became an unintended victim of the escalating conflict. As Tucker was walking away, Magee, wearing a ski mask, appeared and shot him six times in the torso, according to court documents.
Tucker’s mother, La Jonna Johnson, spoke out earlier this year about the devastating impact the incident has had on their family. She expressed her grief over losing her son and the pain of seeing her grandsons grow up without their father. She also directed her anger at Young, saying, “Whether you gave it a second thought or not, you have forever impaired our family.”
Young is facing her own legal battles. She has been charged with second-degree murder and is scheduled for a court hearing on January 24 regarding a possible plea deal.
Tucker was more than just a victim in this tragedy. He was a beloved father, son, and friend to many. His family remembers him as someone who could light up any room with his smile and make everyone feel welcome. A GoFundMe page created in his memory described him as competitive and driven, whether in sports, music, or his efforts to improve his life. He had recently started a new job and was determined to be the best dad for his two baby boys.
The page also emphasized how much Tucker’s children and their mothers need support now, calling on the community to rally behind them during this difficult time.
This heartbreaking story serves as a reminder of how senseless violence can forever change the lives of so many people. Tucker’s family and friends are left to grieve the loss of a man who had so much life left to live, while his two young sons grow up without their father by their side.
