Calvin Louis Blackshire Jr., a 27-year-old African American male, was tragically shot and killed on January 19, 2017, at a Motel 6 in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The incident occurred just before midnight, and Blackshire was pronounced dead at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. His final moments were streamed online, capturing the attention of the public and authorities alike.
The video, which lasted about 10 minutes, showed people standing over Blackshire, taking photos and recording his last moments. Despite the disturbing nature of the video, police concluded that the person who livestreamed the event was not involved in the death and therefore would not face charges.
The investigation into Blackshire's death revealed that it was likely a robbery gone wrong. Police held a press conference with Blackshire's family, appealing to the public for help in identifying the killer. They believed that Blackshire was meeting someone at the motel that night, but the identity of that person remained unknown.
In April 2018, arrest warrants were issued for four individuals in connection with Blackshire's murder. Adam Bradley Scott Golden, 23, Elvin Freeman Morrison, 21, Iona Deja Shameka Thomas, 19, and Yasheika Zikyra West, 18, were each charged with first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon. Golden was already incarcerated at Pasquotank Correctional Institution in Elizabeth City on unrelated charges, while the other three suspects were not in custody at the time.
The case garnered significant media attention due to the livestreamed video and the public's plea for justice. Blackshire's mother, Pamela Blackshire, expressed her frustration and heartbreak over the loss of her son, who was also a father to a 1-year-old child. The investigation continued as authorities sought to bring the remaining suspects to justice and provide closure for Blackshire's grieving family.
