Terry Lee Cobb Jr., a 48-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on December 20, 2019, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Cobb was a devoted husband, father, and city worker who was well-loved by his family and community. He was affectionately known as "Boo Boo" and was remembered for his dedication to his family and his work. Cobb's death was a result of a workplace shooting that occurred at the Jocelyn V.
Johnson Municipal Services Center, where he had been employed for 20 years.
The incident unfolded when Steven Dewayne Haizlip, a 61-year-old co-worker, entered the municipal building with a firearm. Haizlip, who had a longstanding feud with Cobb, targeted him specifically during the attack. The altercation between the two men had escalated from a dispute the previous day, culminating in the tragic shooting. Haizlip shot Cobb, resulting in his immediate death. The shooting also left two other individuals injured, including a police officer who responded to the scene.
Following the shooting, Haizlip engaged in a gunfight with the police and was subsequently killed. The incident was categorized as workplace violence, and authorities confirmed that Cobb was the primary target of Haizlip's attack. The motive behind the shooting was rooted in the ongoing conflict between the two men, although specific details about the nature of their feud were not disclosed.
The community mourned the loss of Terry Lee Cobb Jr., with family, friends, and city officials attending his funeral to pay their respects. The tragic event highlighted the need for improved security measures at city facilities, prompting local authorities to review and enhance safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. Cobb's death left a lasting impact on those who knew him, and his memory continues to be cherished by his loved ones.
