Sabrina Annette Pinkston Curzi, a 40-year-old woman from Salisbury, North Carolina, tragically lost her life on August 3, 2018. Born on December 20, 1977, Sabrina was a devoted mother and wife, leaving behind her husband, Jason Curzi, and their three children, Michael, Alexander, and Piper. Sabrina worked as a bartender and was known for her fierce independence and dedication to her family.
On the day of her death, Sabrina and Darryl Allen Wright were killed at Town Creek Park in
Salisbury. The incident occurred during what appeared to be a picnic at a gazebo in the park. Sabrina's 19-year-old son, Michael, had called her to report that he had been assaulted by several gang members who were at the park for a cookout. In a confrontation with the gang members, Willie Earl Williams Jr., a 32-year-old black man, managed to wrest a gun away from Sabrina and subsequently shot and killed both Wright and Sabrina.
Following the incident, arrest warrants were issued for Willie Earl Williams Jr., who was charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Two other men, Eugene William Black, 24, and Ronald Earl Powers, 32, faced common law robbery charges in connection with the shooting. Powers also faced an additional charge of assault inflicting serious bodily injury. The charges against Black and Powers were related to the theft of a $100 cellphone and the beating of Michael Curzi at the park prior to the shooting.
In September 2024, Willie Earl Williams Jr. was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Sabrina Curzi and Darryl Allen Wright. The jury deliberated for about three hours before returning guilty verdicts. Superior Court Judge William Stetzer sentenced Williams to two consecutive life sentences without parole. The case highlighted the tragic consequences of gang violence and the impact it had on Sabrina's family.
Sabrina's death left a profound void in the lives of her loved ones. A GoFundMe page was created to help offset the cost of the funeral and provide support for her children. Sabrina was remembered as a strong, independent woman who fought hard for her family and took her last breath defending her son. The community rallied together to ensure that her children were safe and had the support they needed during this difficult time.
