On August 2, 2023, at approximately 10:45 p.m., a shooting occurred at the J-Mart located at 904 Virginia Street in Eden, North Carolina. Upon arrival, Eden police officers found evidence of a shooting in the parking lot, though no individuals were present at the scene. Subsequent investigations revealed that two individuals, Sierra Carter and Derek “Gold-Mouf” Hairston, had sustained injuries during the incident and were receiving treatment at a local hospital.
Tragically, on August 13, 2023, at around 1:00 a.m., 33-year-old Derek Hairston succumbed to his injuries at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Hairston, a resident of Eden, was known for his athletic achievements, notably winning the 2005–2006 state wrestling championship during his time at John M. Morehead High School. He was a father to six children and was cherished by his family and community.
Investigations into the shooting, aided by surveillance footage, identified two suspects involved in an altercation that led to the gunfire: 35-year-old William Cordero Lindsey and 32-year-old Kwes Lashad Keen. Initially, both were charged with possession of a firearm by a felon and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. Following Hairston's death, charges against Lindsey were elevated to first-degree murder. Lindsey was subsequently arrested and held without bond, with a court appearance scheduled for August 23, 2023. As of the latest reports, Keen remained at large, and authorities continued to seek public assistance in locating him.
The Eden Police Department has urged anyone with information regarding the incident or the whereabouts of Keen to contact them directly or through Rockingham County Crimestoppers. This case has deeply affected the Eden community, prompting ongoing discussions about safety and justice for the victims involved.
