On the evening of February 17, 2023, at approximately 9:35 p.m., Laurinburg Police Department officers responded to a reported shooting at a residence on Blues Farm Road in Laurinburg, North Carolina. Upon arrival, they discovered 23-year-old Vendell Taylor DeBerry inside the home, suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency medical services transported DeBerry to Scotland Memorial Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Subsequent investigation led to the arrest of DeBerry's brother, 22-year-old Van Milton DeBerry. He was charged with first-degree murder, discharging a firearm from within an enclosure to incite fear, and discharging a firearm in the city limits. Van DeBerry was taken into custody and held without bond at the Scotland County Detention Center.
This incident was not the first encounter with law enforcement for Van DeBerry. In May 2022, he was arrested following an incident on Pitt Street involving multiple individuals discharging firearms. Charges from that event included discharging a firearm into occupied property, felony inciting a riot, and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, among others. Additionally, in November 2022, Van DeBerry sustained a gunshot wound at the Tobacco House on South Main Street but did not cooperate with authorities during the investigation.
The DeBerry residence on Blues Farm Road had previously attracted police attention. In July 2021, a search warrant executed at the property resulted in the seizure of numerous firearms and controlled substances. During that operation, several individuals, including family members, were arrested on related charges.
Funeral services for Vendell Taylor DeBerry were held on February 26, 2023, at Bright Hopewell Baptist Church, followed by interment at Hillside Memorial Park. Family and friends gathered to mourn the loss of a young life cut short under tragic circumstances.
The community of Laurinburg has been deeply affected by this familial tragedy, prompting discussions about gun violence and the importance of addressing underlying issues that lead to such incidents. Local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting to provide clarity and justice for the DeBerry family.
