A Mississippi church deacon is being hailed as a hero after losing his life while protecting others during a shooting at a family Easter egg hunt.
Deacon Eddie Shed was fatally shot on April 12 during the Empowerment Ministries Christian Center’s event in Gulfport in what the church described as a “senseless act of gun violence.”
Authorities say the incident stemmed from a child custody dispute and identified 24-year-old Tyran Deion Gable as the suspect. Gable now faces charges of first-degree murder and aggravated assault.
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Authorities believe the Easter weekend shooting in Gulfport, Mississippi, was sparked by the domestic dispute between Gable and the mother of his child, according to WLOX. Shed, 39, was reportedly trying to shield the woman when he was fatally shot.
Gulfport Police responded to the scene shortly after 2 p.m. on Prudie Circle and began providing aid to two gunshot victims, per a news release shared with PEOPLE.
Police say Gable of Saucier, Mississippi, opened fire during the child custody dispute, striking two people who tried to intervene. One victim was airlifted to an out-of-state hospital, while Shed died at the scene.
Gable was also injured in the shooting and hospitalized. He has since been denied bond on the murder charge, while a $250,000 bond was set for the aggravated assault charge by Justice Court Judge Nick Patano.
In his statement following the shooting, pastor Gregg Magee of the EMCC wrote that Shed “epitomized the virtues of a hero” after “displaying selfless courage and bravery that ultimately saved others from harm.”
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“He paid the ultimate price for his valor, and we are deeply saddened by this loss,” the pastor wrote. “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.”
“We extend our heartfelt prayers and condolences to Doris, Jaylen, Kaleb, KaMya, Neloise, Derrick and his family and friends who grieve this profound loss,” Magee added.
Church member Alexis Weathersby told WLOX on April 12 that Shed “died a hero doing what he does best, and that’s protecting and that’s loving and that’s looking out for everyone.”
Following the tragic Easter weekend shooting in Gulfport, WLOX initially reported that three suspects were detained.
The Empowerment Ministries Christian Center (EMCC) is now accepting donations to help cover funeral and medical expenses.
A day after the incident, the church held a live-streamed service on April 13 to honor Shed. Gulfport Police are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward.
