On January 27, 2024, at approximately 5 a.m., the Kings Mountain Police Department responded to reports of gunfire on Waco Road in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. Upon arrival, officers discovered two individuals with critical gunshot wounds. Subsequently, two additional victims arrived at a local hospital, also suffering from gunshot injuries. Among the victims was 30-year-old Tyshem Daquan Sharpe, who succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
The incident occurred near a small brick building on Waco Road, known in the community for hosting late-night gatherings, particularly after local bars had closed. Neighbors reported that these gatherings often extended into the early morning hours, with attendees parking along the road and engaging in activities that sometimes led to disturbances. On the night of the shooting, witnesses recalled hearing multiple gunshots, followed by chaotic scenes as people attempted to assist the injured.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the Kings Mountain Police Department, with assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, launched a comprehensive investigation. On February 5, 2024, authorities charged 30-year-old Andre Lashawn Littlejohn, initially believed to be one of the victims, with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon. After receiving medical treatment for his injuries, Littlejohn was taken into custody without incident.
The community of Kings Mountain was deeply affected by the tragic events of that January morning. Residents expressed concerns over the late-night activities at the Waco Road location, noting that gatherings had become more frequent in the weeks leading up to the shooting. The loss of Tyshem Daquan Sharpe and the injuries sustained by others underscored the urgent need for addressing issues related to unauthorized gatherings and gun violence in the area.
