Jacary MyQuan Bethel, a 19-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on June 14, 2019, in Shallotte, North Carolina. Jacary was a former athlete at West Brunswick High School, where he participated in wrestling and football. His untimely death occurred during a shooting incident at the Cardinal Pointe Apartments in Shallotte. The incident was the result of a drug deal gone wrong, which led to a series of unfortunate events.
On the night of the shooting, Jacary Bethel, along with his best friend Eyan Thomas and his younger brother Javon Bethel, met with Colby Neill Pridgen, a 16-year-old described as a "blossoming drug dealer," to purchase Xanax. The meeting was arranged through Snapchat, and the group intended to rob Pridgen during the transaction. As Pridgen entered the car and sat between Jacary and Thomas, Jacary put Pridgen in a headlock, and the rest of the group joined in the assault. In response, Pridgen pulled out a gun and fired two shots, hitting Jacary and Thomas. Jacary Bethel died at the scene, while Thomas was rushed to a local hospital and underwent surgery.
Following the shooting, Colby Pridgen was arrested and charged with murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and other related charges. His bond was set at $1 million. Additionally, Jacary's younger brother, Javon Bethel, and Kasey Jennings Hollar, a 19-year-old involved in the incident, were both arrested and charged with first-degree kidnapping, common law robbery, and conspiracy to commit common law robbery. They were each held on $100,000 bonds. The case remains under investigation, and officials have not disclosed whether Eyan Thomas will face charges once he is released from the hospital.
The tragic death of Jacary Bethel highlights the dangers and consequences of involvement in illegal activities. The incident has left a lasting impact on the Shallotte community, as friends and family mourn the loss of a young life cut short by violence. Jacary's funeral services were held at West Brunswick High School Gymnasium and First Baptist Church of Shallotte, where loved ones gathered to celebrate his life and remember the positive impact he had on those around him.
