Family Attorney Rejects Defense Claim: Auburn Graduate's Death Not Innocent Matter

When a lawyer for the defense says his client is an“upstanding”man with no guilt to bear, the family’s attorney fires back with evidence and resolve. That’s exactly what’s happening in the case of Jeffrey Scott Towers, the Alabama man charged with manslaughter in the death of Whitney Harlow Robeson, a 22-year-old Auburn University graduate.

The shooting happened on March 7 at Jeffrey’s home in Trussville, AL. Whitney, who was dating Jeffrey’s son, died from injuries to her left lung, heart, and aorta—the result of a gunshot wound to her chest. Her death was ruled a homicide, and earlier this week, Jeffrey was arrested and charged with manslaughter.

But here’s where the narrative splits. Jeffrey’s defense team is painting a picture of an innocent man caught in tragedy. The victim’s family’s attorney, Andrew J. Moak, isn’t having it. According to Moak, the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office determined that Jeffrey acted with criminal recklessness—a determination that directly contradicts the“innocent”framing his lawyers are pushing.“Given that determination, efforts to portray Mr. Towers as‘innocent’are not supported by the evidence in this case,”Moak told reporters.

What’s easy to lose in the legal back-and-forth is the human cost. Whitney graduated from Auburn in May 2025 and had just started her career as a trade consultant for Restoration Hardware. She was someone’s daughter, someone’s loved one, someone building a life. Moak emphasized that point:“At its core, this matter involves the tragic and unnecessary death of a 22-year-old young woman whose life was cut short far too soon.”

The case is now in the hands of the legal system, but Moak’s position is crystal clear. The family isn’t looking for reasonable doubt or clever defense strategies. They’re looking for justice and accountability—and they believe the evidence supports that path.