Mississippi church Deacon Eddie Shed is being hailed as a hero for protecting children from gunfire during a shooting at an Easter egg hunt hosted by Empowerment Ministries Christian Center at a local park on Saturday (April 12).
Shed, who was also served as the head of security at the church, was allegedly shot and killed by 24-year-old Tyran Deion Gable. Investigators believe the incident stemmed from a child custody dispute between Gable and the mother of his child.
The Gulfport Police Department said that during the altercation, Gable shot at Shed and another man named Jimmy Nance, who were attempting to de-escalate the situation. Shed was pronounced dead at the scene, and Nance was airlifted to a nearby hospital.
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A GoFundMe campaign for Nance says that he was shot “multiple times,” which caused “severe” injures and “will require several months of healing.”
During the altercation, Gable was also shot and taken to a hospital. He has since been charged with one count of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated assault. Gable was denied bond for the murder charge but was granted a $250,000 bond for the assault charge.
“It is with heavy hearts that we, the Empowerment Ministries Christian Center, address the tragic events that unfolded during our Family Easter Egg Hunt at Prudie Circle earlier today,” the church’s senior pastor, Dr. Gregg S. Magee Sr., said in a statement. “Our beloved Deacon Eddie Shed was taken from us in a senseless act of gun violence. Deacon Shed epitomized the virtues of a hero, displaying selfless courage and bravery that ultimately saved others from harm.”
Magee said that Shed “paid the ultimate price for his valor, and we are deeply saddened by this loss. Deacon Shed was a pillar of strength within our community and a beacon of light and hope.”
“His unwavering faith, kindness, and dedication to serving others have left an indelible mark on all who knew him,” Magee added.
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“We extend our heartfelt prayers and condolences to Doris [his wife], [and three children] Jaylen, Kaleb, KaMya, Neloise, Derrick and his family and friends who grieve this profound loss,” Magee said. “We want to reassure everyone that this tragic act was not carried out by a member of Empowerment Ministries Christian Center.”
“What began as a beautiful day filled with laughter and joy was overshadowed by a criminal act and we are all heartbroken by this senseless violence,” said Magee.
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