Church deacon killed protecting others after gunfire erupts at Easter egg hunt
A Mississippi church deacon was fatally shot while trying to protect people from a dispute that broke out during an Easter egg hunt hosted by his church, witnesses and law enforcement said.
Empowerment Ministries Christian Center in Gulfport, Mississippi, identified the deacon as Eddie Shed and said he died on April 12 while trying to "save others from harm" at the church's Easter egg hunt at Jack and Florence Goldin Park in Gulfport.
The Gulfport Police Department said the shooting stemmed from a "child custody dispute" and that two people who tried to "de-escalate the fight" were hit by gunfire, as well as the suspect. Shed was pronounced dead at the scene and another person was airlifted to an out-of-state hospital.
The following day, police arrested Tyran Deion Gable, 24, of Saucier, Mississippi, on charges of murder and aggravated assault, according to the Gulfport Police Department. Gable was hit by gunfire during the shooting and was taken to a hospital for treatment, police said.
In a statement posted to social media, the church said Shed was killed "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," said the statement from Empowerment Ministries Christian Center, which describes itself as non-denominational. "He paid the ultimate price for his valor, and we are deeply saddened by this loss."
Deacon was 'a hero,' witnesses say
Witnesses of the shooting said Shed didn't hesitate to protect children at the Easter egg hunt.
“I wouldn’t expect nothing less from him to do something like that, nothing less. He was just a hero,” longtime church member Shatondria Ball told WLOX.
“He died a hero doing what he does best, and that’s protecting and that’s loving and that’s looking out for everyone,” fellow church member Alexis Weathersby told the outlet. “He was just a wonderful man that was willing to do any and everything for anyone.”
Gregg S. Magee, senior pastor of Empowerment Ministries Christian Center, described Shed in a statement as "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," the pastor said.
Shed is survived by his wife and three children. A GoFundMe for his family has raised nearly $16,000 as of April 15.