Kendric Wade, a 45-year-old African American man from Cleveland, Mississippi, was tragically killed on December 29, 2017, in Houston, Texas. He was a well-liked mechanic who had worked at Bemer Plus auto body shop for nearly two decades. On that fateful day, a disgruntled former employee, Daniel Ferraretto, walked into the shop and opened fire, killing Wade and his co-worker Mary McGehee before turning the gun on himself.
The incident was described as a case of workplace violence.
Ferraretto, who had previously worked at the shop but had not been employed there for at least a year, was identified as the shooter. He had reportedly been struggling with personal issues, including losing his apartment and sleeping in his car. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, but it is believed that Ferraretto may have been targeting the shop owner.
The tragic event left the Bemer Plus community in shock and grief. Wade was remembered as a joyful person who was always willing to help others. His family and friends described him as a loving husband and a dedicated mechanic who had found a job he loved. The loss of Wade and McGehee was a devastating blow to the tight-knit community at the auto body shop.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the Houston Police Department conducted a thorough investigation. While there were no arrests or ongoing litigation related to the incident, the case was treated as a murder-suicide. The investigation concluded that Ferraretto acted alone and that there were no other suspects involved.
The impact of the shooting was felt deeply by Wade's family and the entire community. His brother-in-law, Martin Cameron, described the family as "destroyed" by the loss. Despite the tragedy, the shop owner, Frederick Stewart, vowed to keep Wade's memory alive and support his family in any way possible.
The senseless act of violence at Bemer Plus remains a painful reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues and preventing workplace violence. Wade's legacy as a kind and skilled mechanic continues to be remembered by those who knew him.
