The Tacoma community and the Lockett family faced tragedy when Veron Cordea Lockett, a 17-year-old junior at Mt. Tacoma HS, was fatally shot in the Salishan neighborhood on April 20, 2025.
The loss of this young athlete and beloved son has left his parents, Sharina Dockins and Ronnie Lockett Jr., in deep sadness.
Veron’s story shows his promise and passion; as we remember him, we come together to support his parents during this difficult time.
Veron Cordae Lockett Was Born In January 2008 To Sharina Dockins And Ronnie Lockett Jr.
Even though his parents were no longer together, they remained constant in his life, building a strong and loving bond with their son.
To Sharina, Veron was her “Sunny Boy,” the center of her world.
She celebrated his every achievement, proudly sharing his accomplishments on social media.
Ronnie, too, was a dedicated father, cheering Veron on as he chased his dreams on and off the football field.
At 5’8”, Veron was a standout athlete at Mount Tahoma High School, where he played as a wide receiver, strong safety, and outside linebacker for the T-Birds.
Wearing jersey number 14, he brought heart and hustle to every game.
Before transferring to Mount Tahoma, Veron played varsity football at Lincoln High School, donning jersey number 16.
In 2023, he was named Special Teams Player of the Year for the Lincoln Abes, evidence of his severe drive and talent.
During Mount Tahoma’s state tournament loss to O’Dea, he made critical defensive plays in the second half, showcasing his grit and determination.
Mount Tahoma football head coach Keith Terry.
” Just a really good kid,Just kind of finding a way to be successful. Finding ways to fight through adversity, to be better — that’s really the best way I could describe him. He was a fighter. He was relentless in his approach to be a better athlete and trying to be successful.”
VIa The News Tribune
The Night Of April 20 Began Like Any Other But Ended In Heartbreak
Around 9:30 p.m., Tacoma police responded to reports of gunfire at East 41st Street and East Q Street in the Salishan neighborhood.
When officers arrived, they found Veron, who had been shot.
They immediately began life-saving measures, and Tacoma Fire Department personnel rushed him to a local hospital.
Despite their efforts, Veron succumbed to his injuries.
On April 20, 2025, just before 9:30 p.m., Tacoma Police officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of East 41st Street for reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers located a juvenile male who appeared to have been shot and immediately began life-saving measures. pic.twitter.com/M5YSfQfha4
— Tacoma Police Department (@TacomaPD) April 22, 2025
The Tacoma Police Department is investigating the incident as a homicide, but no arrests have been made.
Detectives and crime-scene technicians are working tirelessly to uncover the circumstances of this senseless act of violence.
For now, the community is left mourning a young man whose future held so much promise.
For Sharina Dockins, Veron’s death is a pain no parent should ever endure.
Losing her only son comes just 18 months after the death of her husband, Stacy Dockins, on October 28, 2023.
The grief is overwhelming and hard to bear.
Sharina’s love for Veron was boundless. She was proud of his athletic achievements, intelligence, and infectious personality.
“Sunny Boy” was her everything, and their bond was unbreakable.
Veron’s father, Ronnie Lockett Jr., deals with this deep loss.
He supported Veron’s football career and encouraged him in life. Sharina and Ronnie created a loving environment for Veron, ensuring he always felt cared for and supported.
Veron’s Death Has Deeply Affected Tacoma, As He Was Known As An Athlete And A Lively, Charming Person
Friends, teammates, and educators have shared heartfelt tributes, painting a picture of a young man who left an indelible mark.
One friend, known as “Chef RiRi,” wrote,
“This one right here hurts soooooo bad. No matter how old Veron was or what setting he saw me in, he was always gonna give me a big hug, call me Chef RiRi, and ask me to make him some cookies. To separate the sadness from anger is soooooooo hard!!!! Damn it!!!! 💔😞”
Via Facebook
Another person, who worked in education, shared,
“Veron had a larger than life personality and always had so much love for everyone! Smart! Lord he was so smart and he knew it. He spent countless hours in my office talking about all kinds of things, mostly about how smart he knew he was. Lol. Veron will forever be a light extinguished far to soon. RIL Veron 💔🕊”
Via Facebook
Coach Keith Terry remembered Veron’s resilience and positivity:
“He has this smile about him, Just the way he carried himself. … He was a goofy kid. Never took anything too serious, always found the bright spot in anything he was doing.”
Via The News Tribune
On April 22, the Mount Tahoma community gathered for a candlelight vigil at the school’s football stadium from 8:00 to 8:14 p.m., named “14 Minutes for #14” in honor of Veron’s jersey number.
The event was a chance for friends, family, and neighbors to come together, light candles, and share memories of a young man who brought joy to so many.
After this tragedy, the Tacoma community is coming together to help Sharina and Ronnie.
Chanel Arthur, a family friend, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral expenses and other financial needs.
The campaign’s goal is $20,000, showing the community’s commitment to easing the burden on Veron’s parents during this difficult time.
Veron is survived by his mother, Sharina, his father, Ronnie, his sisters, step-siblings, and his aunt.
His family and friends are holding onto the memories of a young man who loved football, embraced life with a contagious smile, and dreamed of a bright future.
RIP Veron. Your legacy will shine on forever.
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