UMVA has learned that the tragic death of a bright‑minded Auburn graduate may never reach the gunmaker responsible for the weapon involved.
According to information obtained by UMVA, 54‑year‑old Jeffrey Towers of Trussville is accused of inadvertently firing an antique .22‑caliber revolver that struck his son’s 22‑year‑old girlfriend, Whitney Robeson, in the chest. The shot claimed her life just an hour after it rang out, mere weeks after she secured a coveted interior‑design position.
Prosecutors in Jefferson County have filed manslaughter charges, while Robeson’s parents have simultaneously launched a wrongful‑death lawsuit against Towers and fifteen unnamed entities, including the firearm’s manufacturer.
Trial attorney Paul Calli warns that the lawsuit faces a formidable legal shield: the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act of 2005, which blocks most claims against gun makers unless a product is proven defective.
Because the case centers on an antique revolver, Calli notes that demonstrating a manufacturing defect will be an uphill battle. “How do you analyze the safety of a centuries‑old firearm?” he asks, underscoring the uncertainty that could cripple the family’s pursuit of accountability.
The complaint alleges not only negligent handling by Towers but also that the revolver was designed with inherent flaws—lacking safety mechanisms that could have prevented an accidental discharge.
Robeson’s parents invoke Alabama’s Extended Manufacturer’s Liability Doctrine, asserting the gun was “unfit for its ordinary purpose” and devoid of adequate safety features.
While the civil suit seeks justice and accountability, it does not disclose a monetary figure, focusing instead on holding the maker responsible for a tragedy that cut short a promising career.
Legal experts find the timing unusual; filing a civil claim before the criminal case concludes could lead to a stay of proceedings until the state trial ends.
Questions linger about the weapon’s condition at the time of the incident—whether it was truly loaded or if a bullet was introduced during the demonstration witnessed by three people.
Towers remains out on a $30,000 bond and has not entered a plea, with a court date set for July 22. His defense team stresses the presumption of innocence, while the family mourns a daughter, loved one, and community member whose bright future was stolen.
In an online tribute, Robeson’s family recalled her lifelong passion for interior design, inspired by home‑improvement shows, and her recent achievement of graduating summa cum laude before stepping into a role at a leading design firm.
