On January 20, 2023, 26-year-old Zedekiah Marques Sion LaFayette was tragically shot and killed at the Maxwell Terrace Apartments in Orlando, Florida. According to the Orlando Police Department, LaFayette was walking with 34-year-old Willie Shade and another individual when Shade suddenly threw him to the ground, shot him, and fled the scene. Later that evening, Shade returned to the apartment complex and was apprehended by police.
Following a three-day trial, a jury found Shade guilty of first-degree murder with a firearm and attempted first-degree murder with a firearm. He was sentenced to a mandatory life term in prison. At the time of the offense, Shade was on probation, having previously served a 10-year sentence for attempted second-degree murder.
LaFayette's death deeply affected his family and friends. He was predeceased by his father, Delroy LaFayette; his grandmother, Shirlin Gabriel; and his aunt, Shirly Hyndman. He is survived by his mother, Carmel Gabriel; siblings Carmel LaFayette McClain (Emerson McClain), Kendal LaFayette (Melissa LaFayette), Shakira LaFayette (Jakar Walker), and Lidia Torres; grandparents Winston Gabriel and Victoria Spencer Bond; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
A viewing and celebration of life were held on February 3, 2023, at Good Life Funeral Home in Orlando, where family and friends gathered to honor LaFayette's memory and offer condolences.
