Jacob Kohler was 19 and from Jacksonville, North Carolina. A recent White Oak High School graduate and member of Grants Creek Missionary Baptist Church, he was remembered by family as a loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. Jacob died on November 14, 2015, after being shot in the stomach at an apartment in Jacksonville when a friend, 20-year-old Victor Santana, was handling one of Jacob’s firearms and, believing it was unloaded, the weapon discharged.

Jacob was taken to Onslow Memorial Hospital and later died from his injuries. The Jacksonville Police Department investigated and Santana was charged with involuntary manslaughter; in court he pleaded guilty and received 150 days in prison, probation with a requirement to give ten speeches to high school students about firearm safety, restitution for Jacob’s funeral expenses and 120 hours of community service. Jacob’s father, Kevin Kohler, addressed the court and asked for leniency while stressing the need for firearm safety.

If anyone knew Jacob, his plans to pursue law enforcement, or has information about the night of November 14, 2015, please share what you know.