A church community in Mississippi is grieving after a beloved deacon lost his life in a tragic act of gun violence during a family Easter egg hunt. Deacon Eddie Shed, 39, died while trying to protect others during a shooting that broke out at Goldin Sports Complex in Gulfport on Saturday afternoon.
The event, hosted by Empowerment Ministries Christian Center (EMCC), quickly turned into chaos when a child custody dispute escalated. According to police, the suspect—24-year-old Tyran Deion Gable—allegedly opened fire during a dispute with the mother of his child. Witnesses say Deacon Shed stepped in to help deescalate the situation and protect the woman involved.
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“Eddie paid the ultimate price for his valor,” wrote Pastor Gregg Magee in a message to the EMCC community. “He epitomized the virtues of a hero, displaying selfless courage and bravery that ultimately saved others from harm.”
Police say the shooting happened just after 2 p.m., and officers arrived within minutes to the scene at Prudie Circle. Two people were shot, including Shed, who died at the scene. The other victim was airlifted to a hospital out of state. Gable himself was also shot and hospitalized, and he now faces charges of first-degree murder and aggravated assault.
The Sun Herald reported that Shed had stepped in during the domestic conflict, putting himself in harm’s way to protect others. WLOX added that police believe the shooting was tied directly to the custody dispute between Gable and the child’s mother.
Gable is being held without bond on the murder charge, while his bond for aggravated assault was set at $250,000 by Judge Nick Patano.
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Pastor Magee described Deacon Shed as a pillar of the church. “He was 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,” he said. He also shared heartfelt condolences to Shed’s loved ones, including his partner Doris and children Jaylen, Kaleb, and KaMya.
Fellow church members echoed those sentiments. Alexis Weathersby told WLOX that Shed “died a hero doing what he does best… protecting, loving, and looking out for everyone.” Taylor Sanders added, “He was that guy you could always have a laugh with and always count on. We’re just distraught at this moment.”
The church is now accepting donations to help cover funeral and medical costs, and they held a live-streamed service the day after the shooting.
Authorities are urging anyone with more information about the incident to come forward.
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