Raheem Omar Keyes, a 25-year-old Black male from Washington, North Carolina, tragically lost his life on October 5, 2020. Raheem was born on July 13, 1995, to Michelle Keyes and Reginald Floyd. He was a beloved son, grandson, brother, nephew, uncle, and cousin. Raheem was known for his loving and caring nature, as well as his outgoing and outspoken personality.
He was expecting his first child and was employed at Butterball, where he enjoyed playing basketball in his free time.
On the afternoon of October 5, 2020, Raheem Keyes was fatally shot in Washington, North Carolina. The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call reporting the shooting at 114 Jasper Lane at 12:11 p.m. The caller provided a description of a Black male suspect seen fleeing the scene. Within 20 minutes, deputies apprehended 25-year-old Paquon Shabrien Coffey of Grimesland, North Carolina, who was found coming out of the woods on Asbury Church Road. After interviewing multiple eyewitnesses and processing the crime scene, investigators charged Coffey with an open count of murder for the shooting death of Raheem Keyes. Coffey is being held at the Beaufort County Detention Center under no bond, and the motive for the shooting remains under investigation.
Raheem Keyes' death has left a void in the lives of his family and friends. His passing was marked by a public visitation on October 16, 2020, at the Heavenly Arms Family Mortuary Memorial Chapel in Washington, North Carolina, followed by a Celebration of Life on October 17, 2020, at Washington High School. Raheem's memory is cherished by his parents, grandparents, siblings, and a host of extended family and friends. The investigation into his murder continues as authorities seek to uncover the motive behind this senseless act of violence.
