Malachi Jaheim Hailey, a 17-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on August 6, 2019, in Rockingham, North Carolina. Malachi was found deceased behind the Dobbins Heights Community Center. The discovery was made by a 12-year-old boy who was playing basketball nearby. The circumstances surrounding Malachi's death were initially unclear, but it was later determined that he had been a victim of robbery and manslaughter.
Edward McNair Sloan, a 27-year-old male, was arrested
and charged in connection with Malachi's death. Sloan faced multiple charges, including voluntary manslaughter, possession of a stolen firearm, and altering the serial number of the firearm. He was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to 17 years in prison. Sloan had a history of criminal activity, including previous convictions for felony larceny and charges of attempted murder and assault on a child under the age of 12.
Malachi's mother, Annette Leak, expressed her grief and desire for justice for her son. She hosted a vigil in August 2021 to mark the two-year anniversary of Malachi's death, emphasizing that time does not heal the pain of losing her child. The community rallied around her, offering support and commemorating Malachi's life.
The investigation into Malachi's death was thorough, with the Richmond County Sheriff's Office actively seeking information from the public to aid in their efforts. Sloan's arrest and subsequent conviction provided some measure of justice for Malachi's family, but the emotional toll of his loss remains significant.
