Jaquan Tobias White, an 18-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on December 2, 2021, in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Jaquan, affectionately known as "Bigboy," was on his way to the ballpark with his cousin when gunfire erupted at the intersection of Jordan Street and Perry Street. The incident resulted in the deaths of Jaquan, 39-year-old Takeyia De'Shay Berry, and 3-year-old Allura Pledger.
Jaquan's cousin, who survived the shooting, recounted that the car had stopped, and the driver was talking to someone when bullets started flying. Despite being fatally wounded, Jaquan tried to shield the young child from the gunfire.
The Elizabeth City Police Department, in collaboration with the Pasquotank County Sheriff's Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, launched an investigation into the triple homicide. Authorities identified Ricky Lewis Etheridge Jr., a 34-year-old male, as a suspect in the case. Etheridge, who is considered armed and dangerous, is wanted on three counts of murder for the deaths of Jaquan White, Takeyia De'Shay Berry, and Allura Pledger. The police recovered multiple shell casings from the scene and believe the shooting to be an isolated incident.
Family members of the victims have been vocal in their plea for justice. Jaquan's aunt, Tiffany Griffin, expressed her anguish and called on the community to come forward with any information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrator. She emphasized the importance of breaking the silence and providing crucial details to the authorities. The families of the victims have also set up GoFundMe campaigns to help cover funeral expenses and support their loved ones during this difficult time.
The investigation into the deaths of Jaquan White, Takeyia De'Shay Berry, and Allura Pledger remains ongoing. The authorities continue to seek information from the public to bring the responsible individual to justice. The tragic loss of these innocent lives has left a profound impact on the Elizabeth City community, highlighting the urgent need to address gun violence and ensure the safety of its residents.
