Kelby Ishmael Swinton Moore, a 20-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on July 8, 2017, in Asheville, North Carolina. Kelby was born on August 23, 1996, to Felicia Swinton and Kelby Moore. He was a beloved member of his community, known for his involvement in church activities and his love for sports. Kelby attended schools in Marion County, South Carolina, and Buncombe County, North Carolina.
He was an active member of the Nazarene Baptist Church, where he participated in the Youth Choir and the Brotherhood.
On the fateful day of July 8, 2017, officers from the Asheville Police Department were dispatched to a reported shooting at the Livingston Street Apartment complex in the Erskine-Walton neighborhood. Upon arrival, they discovered Kelby Swinton Moore in the parking lot with two gunshot wounds. He was transported to Mission Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Witnesses stated that Kelby was unarmed at the time of the shooting.
The investigation revealed that Sharod Terrell Woods, a 22-year-old male, was responsible for the shooting. According to witness statements, Woods arrived at the apartment complex shortly before the incident and got into a heated argument with Kelby. During the altercation, Woods pulled out a firearm and discharged approximately ten rounds, striking Kelby twice and damaging several parked cars in the area. After the shooting, Woods fled the scene.
On July 13, 2017, Sharod Woods turned himself in to the authorities and made a statement admitting to the shooting but claimed that he acted in self-defense. Despite his claims, the Asheville Police Department collected substantial evidence showing that Woods intentionally and maliciously shot and killed Kelby Swinton Moore. Woods was initially charged with first-degree murder but later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
On August 5, 2019, Superior Court Judge William Coward sentenced Sharod Woods to serve an active prison term of 144 months minimum to 185 months maximum in the North Carolina Division of Adult Corrections. District Attorney Todd Williams expressed his sympathies to the victim's family and emphasized the senseless nature of the gun violence that claimed Kelby's life. The guilty plea and subsequent sentencing were seen as appropriate measures to hold Woods accountable for his actions.
Kelby Ishmael Swinton Moore's untimely death left a void in the lives of his family, friends, and community members. His memory continues to be cherished by those who knew and loved him.
