In the quiet town of Ridgeland, South Carolina, the life of 58-year-old Michael Ricky Muhammed Bolden, a Black male, was tragically cut short on March 30, 2015. Known affectionately as 'Muhammed,' Bolden was a familiar and beloved figure in the community, recognized for his entrepreneurial spirit as the owner and operator of Mike's Detailing and Pressure Washing.
He was a devoted family man, cherishing his children and grandchildren, and his warm, joke-loving nature was a source of joy to those who knew him.
The circumstances of his death sent a shockwave through the close-knit community. Bolden was the victim of a fatal shooting, an event that triggered a significant investigation by local law enforcement. The community was left grappling with the sudden and violent loss of a man described as a firm believer in the healing power of laughter. His passing left a noticeable void in the lives of his extensive family and his many friends.
In the wake of the tragedy, the Jasper County Sheriff's Office launched a thorough investigation that led to the arrest of a suspect, Albert Gerald Heyward III. Initially, Heyward was faced with two counts of attempted murder by the Ridgeland Police Department. However, as the investigation progressed and the gravity of the situation became clearer, these charges were upgraded to murder in connection with Bolden's death. The legal proceedings against Heyward were closely followed by a community still mourning the loss of a man who had been a vibrant part of their town.
