STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Rihanna Mourns the Tragic Loss of Her Cousin Who Was a Victim of Gun Violence

R.I.P ?

UPDATE:

About one week after Rihanna took to Instagram to mourn the loss of her cousin Tavon Kaiseen Alleyne, Barbados Today reports that 23-year-old Shawayne DeShawn Williams of St. Michael, Barbados has been arrested and charged with his murder. Witnesses say the accused killer was "emotionless" as he stood before the judge.

Williams will be held in custody until his next court appearance on January 31, 2018.

PREVIOUS:

Rihanna has suffered a heartbreaking personal tragedy during the holiday season. Taking to Instagram, she announced the death of her first cousin Tavon Kaiseen Alleyne, who lived in her home country of Barbados. He was just 21 years old.

The singer posted a series of photos with her cousin posing at family events with the caption. "RIP cousin. Can't believe it was just last night that I held you in my arms! Never thought that would be the last time I felt the warmth in your body!!! Love you always man! #endgunviolence."

According to local Barbados outlet Nation News, Alleyne was fatally shot during the country's Boxing Day celebrations. While walking through an area near his house, he was approached by a man who shot him multiple times before running from the scene. He was driven to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, but doctors were unable to save him. No suspect has been identified at the moment.

The British outlet Independent notes there has been an uptick in gun violence on the small Caribbean island. 22 of the 28 homicides this year have been gun related.

We send our condolences to Rihanna and her family.

Black Ink Crew's Ryan Henry talks about how the death of his sister via gun violence impacted his life, and how he tries to be a good example for the Chicago community through his tattoo shop.