On December 15, 2023, at approximately 9:30 p.m., the Wallace Police Department responded to a report of shots fired at 125 Poplar Street in Wallace, North Carolina. Upon arrival, officers discovered an open door and observed a shell casing on the floor inside the residence. Inside, they found 39-year-old Anthony De'Shaun Murray, known affectionately as "Shaun-Swing," with an apparent gunshot wound. Emergency Medical Services pronounced him deceased at the scene.
Murray was a well-known and cherished member of the Wallace community. Born on February 26, 1984, in New Hanover County to Serina Murray Williams and Anthony Robert Pigford, he was remembered for his spirited, loving, and kind nature. His infectious smile and genuine love for others made him a beloved figure among family and friends.
The investigation into Murray's death led to the arrest of 17-year-old Jamel Xavier Keith on January 25, 2024. Keith was charged with murder and initially held by the Department of Juvenile Justice. During the arrest process, he temporarily escaped custody but was quickly recaptured without further incident.
Following his 18th birthday, Keith was transferred from a juvenile facility to the Duplin County Jail on July 22, 2024, to face first-degree murder charges as an adult. The Wallace Police Department, with assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Duplin County Sheriff's Office, and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, conducted a thorough investigation leading to Keith's arrest.
Authorities have stated that they believe this to be an isolated incident and do not think there is any further threat to the public. The community continues to mourn the loss of Anthony "Shaun-Swing" Murray, whose life was tragically cut short.
