Malik Shepherd, a 19-year-old African American male from Selma, NC, was tragically killed on January 4, 2020. Malik was a promising football star who had recently graduated from Smithfield-Selma High School and was set to start at Barton College. On the night of his death, Malik was shot near the intersection of West Preston and Green streets around 11 p.m. He was found suffering from gunshot wounds alongside Tyquan Dublin, a 21-year-old male who also sustained serious injuries but survived after undergoing surgery.
The investigation into Malik Shepherd's death was conducted by the Selma Police Department, the State Bureau of Investigation , the Naval Criminal Investigative Service , and the Four Oaks Police Department. Four days after the shooting, three suspects were arrested in connection with the murder. Julian Furr, 26, Kevin Ruiz, 23, and Marcus Thomas, 19, were all charged and later convicted of second-degree murder.
Julian Furr and Kevin Ruiz were each sentenced to 17-20 years in prison, while Marcus Thomas received a sentence of 8.5 years. The Selma Police Department extended their heartfelt apologies to the families affected by this tragic and senseless event. Malik's death left a profound impact on the community, with hundreds gathering to remember him and mourn the loss of a young life full of potential.
Malik Shepherd's mother, Imika Barnes, expressed her grief and the pain of losing her son, who was eagerly anticipating his future and the birth of his baby girl. Despite the tragic circumstances, the convictions of the three suspects provided some measure of justice and closure for Malik's family and friends.
