Tristen Gadberry, a 22-year-old male from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, tragically passed away on June 11, 2021. Tristen, also known as Leebron, was born on July 9, 1998, in Forsyth County to Shawn Gadberry and Tanya Mabe. He was passionate about working on modified Honda cars, dirt bikes, and four-wheelers, and he cherished spending time with his friends and family. Tristen was survived by his parents, his wife Ashley, his son Tanner, his brothers Danny and Toderick Gadberry, his sister Tiffany Lynch, and his grandmother Shelby Garcia.
On the evening of June 11, 2021, Tristen Gadberry was shot and killed on Bruce Street in Winston-Salem. The incident occurred around 5:00 p.m., and Tristen was found with a gunshot wound. He was transported to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The shooting left his family and friends devastated, and his mother, Tanya Renee Mabe, expressed her grief and desire for justice for her son. She described the situation as an escalating conflict that ultimately led to her son's untimely death.
The investigation into Tristen Gadberry's death led to the arrest of 20-year-old Justin Bankins on June 12, 2021. Bankins was taken into custody by the Winston-Salem Police Department's SWAT team and the U.S. Marshal. He was charged with the murder of Tristen Gadberry and was held at the Forsyth County Law Enforcement Detention Center without bond. The police continued to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting to determine what led to the fatal altercation.
In addition to Justin Bankins, his girlfriend, 18-year-old Krystal Washington-Richmond, was also arrested on unrelated charges. The tragic event highlighted the ongoing issue of gun violence in the community, and Tristen's family and friends honored his memory by engaging in activities he loved, such as racing Hondas and riding dirt bikes. The case remains a poignant reminder of the impact of violence on individuals and their loved ones.
