On a tragic evening in May of 2016, a young man's life was cut short in a senseless act of violence. Darryl Allen Hairston II, a 20-year-old male, was fatally shot inside a restaurant in Camp Springs, Maryland. He had simply gone to buy food when the incident occurred on the evening of Wednesday, May 4th, at America's Best Wings on Temple Hill Road.
Just after 9:45 p.m., police were called to the scene for a report of a shooting. Inside, they found Darryl Hairston suffering from a gunshot wound. He was rushed to a local hospital, but tragically, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on Thursday, May 5, 2016. Investigators determined that another customer had shot him. The young man, a graduate of Suitland High School with aspirations of becoming a mechanic, was remembered by his family as a kind and quiet person who enjoyed playing basketball and video games.
The investigation into his death led to the identification of a suspect.
Police arrested Rasheed Edwards in connection with the fatal shooting. According to authorities, Edwards had opened fire on a group of people after a confrontation. The motive behind the shooting was not publicly detailed, but the outcome was the untimely death of a young man with a promising future.
In October of 2017, justice was served for Darryl Hairston and his grieving family. Rasheed Edwards was found guilty of the murder and was subsequently sentenced to 120 years in prison for his role in the fatal shooting. While the conviction and sentencing brought a measure of closure to his loved ones, it could not fill the void left by his absence. His parents have since dedicated themselves to honoring his memory and speaking out against gun violence.
