Demetrius Terrell Wheeling, a 39-year-old African American man, was tragically shot and killed on June 1, 2017, in Gastonia, North Carolina. The incident occurred at the KEDPlasma USA blood plasma collection center on North New Hope Road. Wheeling was shot in the throat during an apparent dispute and succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to CaroMont Regional Medical Center.
The confrontation that led to the shooting involved Wheeling and Adrian Martel Curry, a 28-year-old homeless man from Gastonia. The two men knew each other and had a confrontation before the shooting.
Following the incident, Adrian Martel Curry was charged with first-degree murder in connection with Wheeling's death. He was apprehended and remained in Gaston County Jail without bond. Additionally, Jumarian Keshawn Curry, a 16-year-old teenager, was also implicated in the case. Prosecutors alleged that Jumarian handed the firearm to his uncle, Adrian, moments before the shooting. Jumarian Curry faced charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy. He was initially released after being questioned but was later arrested and held on a $1 million bond.
The case garnered significant attention due to the involvement of a minor and the nature of the dispute that led to the fatal shooting. Wheeling's family believed that the argument stemmed from a disagreement over hair clippers. The legal proceedings for both Adrian and Jumarian Curry were ongoing, with both facing the possibility of life imprisonment if convicted. The tragic incident highlighted the broader issues of violence and the impact it has on communities, as well as the complexities of the legal system in handling such cases.
