Lionel Bam Coker, a 56-year-old African American man from Lexington, North Carolina, passed away on March 2, 2022. He was found dead in his home on Burgess Street, Lexington, after a fire broke out. The fire was reported to the police and firefighters, who responded to the scene and discovered blood on the steps and a gun in the parking lot. This led them to force their way into the smoky home, where they found Lionel Coker and another man, Robert Lee Stowe, 61, of Winston-Salem, dead inside. A 3-year-old girl was also rescued from the apartment but later died from injuries unrelated to the fire.
The investigation revealed that the fire was not an accident. Brian Keith Moses, a 54-year-old man from Winston-Salem, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm by a felon, and first-degree arson. Moses was known to both victims, and the crime was not a random act. He was identified by a neighbor on Burgess Street, who recognized his car. Moses was sentenced to life in prison for his crimes.
The tragic incident left the community in shock, as Lionel Coker was known for his gentle soul and big smile. He was a cook by trade and worked in the restaurant profession until his health declined and he became disabled. Lionel, affectionately known as "Bam," was a wonderful father to his daughters and a loving grandfather. He was also known as "DJ Bam Bam" for his love of music and entertaining his loved ones with his tasty food and singing. His life will forever be remembered by his family and friends.
