Family of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, teenager killed in 2022 speaks out after shooter’s conviction

MT. JULIET, Tenn. (WKRN) – More than a year after a Mt. Juliet teenager was shot and killed during his birthday party, justice has finally been served.

On Friday, May 17, a Wilson County jury found 22-year-old Caleb Mershon guilty of several charges in connection with the death of Austin Gordon, according to District Attorney Jason Lawson of the 15th Judicial District.

“You might hear the wind chimes now. I’m sure Austin is just laughing,” said Tonya Wilkerson, Austin’s mother.

Listening to the wind chimes and listening to his music in the car are just some of the ways Wilkerson and her family communicate with Austin.

“That’s his spirit putting his hand on my shoulder and saying, ‘Dad, it’s OK. I’m OK, so just keep going. Make the most of your life,'” explained Jeremy Gordon, Austin’s father.

Officials said evidence presented at trial showed that friends Mershon and Austin were celebrating Gordon’s 19th birthday in September 2022 when Mershon unintentionally shot Gordon, resulting in his death.

“Our son had no alcohol in his system or drugs, I must clarify that. He was sitting on a mattress, eating gummy worms and drinking a Coke. Caleb, being the reckless person he is, took a gun, pointed it at the others present, turned around, pointed it at our son and shot him in the head at point blank range,” Wilkerson described.

Wilkerson and her family had to relive that story during last week’s trial.

“He said, ‘I don’t want to die.’ He said that with his last breath,” Jeremy recalled.

“Watching this process just made my stomach turn. (Austin) was always just the sweetest soul,” said Alisa Gordon, Austin’s sister.

According to officials, Mershon was convicted Friday of involuntary manslaughter, negligent grievous bodily harm resulting in death, triple jeopardy, possession of a firearm under the influence and underage drinking. Austin’s family has been waiting for this justice for more than 20 months.

“The verdict went in our favor, which was great, but I still don’t have my son and I would give anything to have him back,” Jeremy said. “I know we all would. I would give everything I have for the rest of my life just to hug him one more time.”

Mershon’s sentencing is scheduled for September 10, exactly two years after Austin’s murder.

Austin’s family told News 2 they hope for a maximum sentence of 16 years. They added that they are grateful to prosecutors and friends who not only tried to save Austin in September 2022 but also testified during the trial.