Quadir Ford, a 22-year-old African American male, was tragically shot and killed on January 27, 2020, near the Worthdale Community Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. Ford had gone to the community center to play basketball when he was gunned down in the parking lot. The incident occurred in broad daylight, just after 12:30 PM. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Ford did not survive his injuries.
The Raleigh police quickly launched an investigation into the shooting, leading to the
arrest of three suspects: Nicholas Raymond Holloway, 21, Eric Michael Scott, 22, and Gerald Thomas, 23. All three men, who are residents of Youngsville, were charged with murder in connection with Ford's death. The police have not disclosed the motive behind the shooting, but it was reported that one of the suspects fled into the woods while another drove away in a black sedan.
The community was deeply affected by the incident, with neighbors expressing their shock and sadness. Ford's younger brother, who was at the community center at the time of the shooting, witnessed the aftermath and was visibly shaken. The Worthdale Neighborhood Association held a meeting to discuss the shooting and brainstorm ways to improve community safety. Suggestions included building a police substation in the neighborhood and implementing neighborhood watch programs.
In addition to the three initial arrests, a fourth suspect, Jaiiviouan Najee Kelly, 21, was later charged with murder in connection with Ford's death. Kelly, a resident of Raleigh, was arrested on January 30, 2020. The investigation into the shooting revealed that Ford was on his way to play basketball when he was attacked. The community center, which is typically considered a safe place, became the scene of a tragic and senseless act of violence.
The Raleigh police records indicated that the 1000 block of Cooper Road, where the community center is located, had experienced several violent incidents in the past, including multiple reports of shots fired. The deadly shooting of Quadir Ford has prompted the community to come together and address the underlying causes of violence, with a focus on keeping young people engaged, employed, and off the streets.
