Who is Whitney Robertson? Auburn grad shot to death by boyfriend’s father days after landing dream job, ‘Legacy rooted in love…’

Police responded around 9:30 p.m. and Robertson was taken to hospital. She was pronounced dead at the hospital more than an hour later.

Trussville police announced this week that they had arrested her boyfriend’s 54-year-old father, Jeffrey Scott Towers, on a charge of reckless manslaughter after an “extensive investigation.” According to public records, he and his son, also an Auburn University alumnus, both live at the Deer Trail address.

Court records have not revealed details of the shooting. Towers’ attorneys, John Amari and Dain Stewart, said in a statement that Robertson’s death was a “tragedy,” Fox 9 reported.

“We know that the facts will show that Mr. Towers has no criminal record, has been a productive and upstanding citizen throughout his life, and is not guilty of these charges,” they wrote.

The coroner’s office report initially said Robertson’s death was ruled accidental. However, Tarr was later charged with manslaughter in connection with the shooting. His bond is set at $30,000 per 12 On Your Side.

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“Whitney attended St. Bridget Catholic School from kindergarten through eighth grade. There she built a foundation of faith, love, and friendship that gave her a sense of security and allowed Whitney to exude integrity and grace wherever she went,” the obituary read.

“Whitney later attended Collegiate School, where she began her life surrounded by friends, neighbors, and teammates. She represented the school in field hockey and lacrosse and on the swim team. However, Whitney cherished her teammates and the camaraderie they shared more than the games or sports themselves. She excelled academically at Collegiate School, graduating with honors in 2021,” it continued.

“After high school, Whitney went to Auburn University: her first choice because of its prestigious interior design program. As with most things in her life, Whitney began her undergraduate education with a clear vision of what she wanted to do, a determination to do whatever it took to achieve it, and an unwavering belief that she was doing the right thing. It’s no surprise that Whitney made great friends at Auburn. Delta Gamma A member of her sorority at Auburn, Whitney’s infectious charm and radiant personality cemented her place in the hearts of everyone she met, and you’d be surprised to know that this young woman who wore Auburn’s orange and blue and cheered for the War Eagles had never heard of Kick Six before coming to Auburn, or that her previous experience with football began with a Super Bowl halftime performance. It was nothing short of a miracle to become the bubbly, witty, spontaneous person she always wanted to be,” it added.

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Robeson graduates magna cum laude in May 2025 with a degree in interior design. As a teenager and in college, she worked as a “nanny and lifeguard.” She was “a favorite of children and parents,” the obituary said.

The statement added: “We mourn Whitney not only because she was our daughter, sister and friend, but also because she was a woman in her prime and the wonderful mother and aunt she had the potential to be. But that wasn’t the case, and we can’t understand why. However, in the days, years and years to come, Throughout her life, all of us who loved her must be closely connected to each other and believe that one day we will be like her. While we mourn, we will take the deep memory and indelible impact of her life with us wherever we go, and we will take comfort in knowing that she will always be loved.”

Robertson’s sorority, Delta Gamma, paid tribute to her on Instagram.

“The Delta Sigma Chapter is deeply saddened by the passing of our sister Whitney Robertson (21) on March 7 Whitney, originally from Richmond, Virginia, graduated last spring with a degree in interior design. She brought so much joy and light to our chapter and to all those who were lucky enough to know her. We are so grateful to have shared her friendship and our chapter will forever cherish Whitney’s family, friends and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers during this extremely difficult time.”

“Whitney leaves behind a legacy rooted in love. She was deeply involved with LoveEvolve program, which created “Wrapped in Whitney’s Love – Whitney Robertson’s Legacy of Love.” Through this initiative, new mothers and their babies receive swaddles and essential resources that support families from the beginning of life. In honor of Whitney, her family invites those who wish to support this mission to consider making a donation in lieu of flowers. Your contribution will help continue Whitney’s impact by providing comfort, care and love to newborns and their families,” it added.