Mississippi Deacon Killed Shielding Others During Easter Egg Hunt Shooting
An Easter egg hunt meant to bring family fun over the weekend turned tragic after a beloved Mississippi deacon was killed while protecting others from gunfire.
According to WLOX, the violence broke out Saturday (April 12) during an Easter gathering hosted by Empowerment Ministries Christian Center (EMCC) in Gulfport, Mississippi. Authorities say 24-year-old Tyran Deion Gable got into a heated exchange with the mother of his child when things quickly escalated.
When bystanders attempted to intervene and calm the situation, Gable allegedly opened fire, striking two people — one of whom was Deacon Eddie Shed.
Shed, who also served as head of security for the church, was pronounced dead at the scene. He had stepped in to protect children and others nearby when the gunfire erupted.
“He died a hero doing what he does best, and that’s protecting, and that’s loving, and that’s looking out for everyone,” EMCC clergy member Alexis Weathersby told WLOX. “He was just a wonderful man that was willing to do any and everything for anyone.”
In a heartfelt Facebook statement, EMCC Senior Pastor Dr. Gregg S. Magee, Sr. remembered Shed as “a pillar of strength within our community and a beacon of light and hope.”
“Deacon Shed epitomized the virtues of a hero, displaying selfless courage and bravery that ultimately saved others from harm,” Magee wrote. “He paid the ultimate price for his valor, and we are deeply saddened by this loss.”
As for Gable, police say he was also shot during the incident, though it’s unclear by whom. He has since been arrested and charged with one count of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated assault. He was denied bond for the murder charge, but bond was set at $250,000 for the assault charge.
Shed leaves behind his wife, Doris, and their three children. His family has since launched a GoFundMe page to help them during this difficult time.
