The Lexington community is mourning the death of Di’Zhon Robertson, a 16-year-old Lexington, Kentucky, resident who was killed in a mass shooting at Charles Young Park on Saturday, August 15, 2026. The shooting happened during East End Day, a community event that had brought families and residents together. Four other people—including a 4-year-old, a 14-year-old and two adults—were also injured and taken to the hospital. According to authorities, the injuries to the surviving victims were not considered life-threatening. Robertson was transported to UK Hospital, where he died shortly after 7 p.m. His death was later ruled a homicide.
Di’Zhon Robertson of Lexington, Kentucky, died on Saturday, August 15, 2026, after being shot at Charles Young Park during the East End Day event. He was 16 years old. Four other people were injured in the shooting. The Fayette County Coroner’s Office ruled Robertson’s manner of death a homicide, while Lexington police continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Di’Zhon Robertson Dies After Lexington Park Shooting
According to information provided by Lexington authorities, police responded at approximately 6:48 p.m. Saturday to reports of gunfire in the 200 block of Midland Avenue near Charles Young Park.
Five people who had suffered gunshot wounds were located and transported to a local hospital. Robertson was among those injured and later died at UK Hospital.
The Fayette County Coroner’s Office identified the teenager as Di’Zhon Robertson, 16. His manner of death was ruled a homicide.
The other four victims included a 4-year-old child, a 14-year-old teenager and two adults. Officials said their injuries were not life-threatening.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Di’Zhon Robertson |
| Age | 16 |
| Location | Lexington, Kentucky |
| Date of death | August 15, 2026 |
| Incident | Charles Young Park shooting |
| Event | East End Day |
| Cause of death | Fatal gunshot injuries |
| Manner of death | Homicide |
| Other victims | Four people injured |
| Investigation | Lexington Police Department |
Shooting Happened During East End Day
The shooting occurred while the East End community was gathered at Charles Young Park for East End Day.
Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers said the shooting involved five victims. The incident prompted an immediate law-enforcement response and later resulted in the city activating an emergency mobilization plan.
At approximately 7:24 p.m., Lexington declared a police staffing emergency. All third-shift officers were instructed to report for duty as authorities responded to the situation.
Officials said there was no active threat to the public following the shooting.
Community Members Responded to the Violence
Devine Carama, director of ONE Lexington, was at Charles Young Park when the shooting happened. According to his account, he witnessed the chaos and attempted to protect four young people as gunfire erupted.
Carama later condemned the violence, noting that East End Day is traditionally a community gathering attended by families, women and children.
Two retired Lexington firefighters, former Battalion Chief L.V. Hayden and Greg Gerton, reportedly began performing CPR on victims before emergency responders arrived.
The shooting has left community members shocked because the event was intended to bring residents together.
Family Mourns Di’Zhon Robertson
The death has devastated Robertson’s family.
A family member expressed grief on social media, writing that losing him did not feel real and asking the community to keep the Robertson and Lewis families in their prayers.
The message reflected the profound pain felt by those closest to the teenager following his sudden death.
Di’Zhon’s death has also affected people who knew him through local youth and community programs.
ONE Lexington director Devine Carama said Robertson had participated in the organization’s summer program, adding another connection between the teenager and the Lexington community.
Lexington Officials Offer Condolences
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton expressed condolences to Robertson’s family and friends while also offering prayers for the people who were wounded.
Gorton said she had been in communication with Police Chief Lawrence Weathers and that he was committed to solving the case as quickly as possible.
First District Councilmember Tyler Morton, along with former councilmembers James Brown and Chris Ford, also went to the scene following the shooting.
Morton expressed heartbreak, anger, frustration and disappointment over the violence and said community leaders would continue working toward a safer Lexington.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear also learned about the shooting while attending an event in downtown Lexington. He interrupted his remarks to inform those attending about the tragedy and asked people to pray for everyone affected.
Police Investigation Continues
The Lexington Police Department is continuing to investigate the shooting and determine what led to the gunfire at Charles Young Park.
As of the information provided, authorities had not publicly identified a suspect. Police Chief Weathers said there was no active threat to the public.
The investigation is expected to focus on identifying the person or people responsible, determining what led to the shooting and establishing the circumstances surrounding Robertson’s death.
Because the investigation remains active, additional information about the case may be released as detectives continue their work.
Remembering Di’Zhon Robertson
At just 16 years old, Di’Zhon Robertson’s life ended in a shooting that also injured four other people.
His death has left his family and the Lexington community grieving. What was intended to be a peaceful community gathering instead became the scene of a deadly act of violence.
Family members and community leaders are now mourning Robertson while hoping for answers and accountability.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Di’Zhon Robertson Obituary and Funeral Arrangements
Funeral and memorial arrangements for Di’Zhon Robertson had not been provided in the information available for this report.
Details regarding visitation, funeral services, memorial events or other arrangements can be added when the family releases them publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Di’Zhon Robertson?
Di’Zhon Robertson was a 16-year-old from Lexington, Kentucky, who was killed in a shooting at Charles Young Park on August 15, 2026.
What happened to Di’Zhon Robertson?
Robertson was shot during the East End Day event at Charles Young Park. He was taken to UK Hospital and died shortly after 7 p.m. His death was ruled a homicide.
Were other people injured in the Lexington shooting?
Yes. Four other people were injured, including a 4-year-old, a 14-year-old and two adults. Officials said their injuries were not life-threatening.
Has a suspect been arrested in Di’Zhon Robertson’s death?
The information provided does not identify an arrest or publicly named suspect. Lexington police are continuing to investigate the shooting.
Where did the shooting happen?
The shooting occurred at or near Charles Young Park in Lexington, Kentucky, during the East End Day community event.