Tyjuan Jaquar Gibson, a 19-year-old African American male, tragically passed away on November 22, 2018, in Salisbury, North Carolina. Gibson's death was the result of a gunshot wound sustained during an incident at a residence in Salisbury. On the day of the incident, Rowan County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a reported hit-and-run call, while Salisbury City Police simultaneously responded to a call regarding a gunshot wound victim at Novant Rowan Medical Center.
Authorities soon realized that the two calls were related and launched an investigation.
The investigation revealed that Gibson, along with several other individuals under the age of 20, was at the residence of 20-year-old Joseph Daquan Scott. During their time at the residence, firearms were present, and a handgun in the possession of 17-year-old Talib Latrell Kelly discharged, striking Gibson. Kelly and another individual transported Gibson to the hospital in Scott's vehicle, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Following the incident, authorities arrested and charged Kelly with felony involuntary manslaughter. He was held under a $10,000 secured bond. Scott was charged with making a false police report and was held under a $1,500 secured bond. Scott had falsely reported his car stolen after the shooting and claimed he only knew those present at his residence by their "street names." During the investigation, authorities discovered a 12-gauge pump shotgun hidden in the woods behind the residence, as well as Scott's abandoned vehicle on Vanderford Street in Salisbury. An additional handgun, which had been removed from the crime scene after the shooting, was also seized.
The investigation into Gibson's death is ongoing, and authorities have indicated that more arrests may be possible. Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Rowan County Sheriff's Office.
