On February 11, 2023, 27-year-old Ty’Quarious Gause was found deceased from multiple gunshot wounds in the 800 block of South 14th Street in Wilmington, North Carolina. Officers responded around 12:10 p.m. following a ShotSpotter activation and a resident's report of a body.
Gause, known for his athleticism and dedication to family, was a father and a committed employee at the North Carolina State Ports in Wilmington.
He was remembered for his love of sports, family gatherings, and his infectious laugh.
The Wilmington Police Department swiftly initiated an investigation into Gause's death. By early March 2023, four individuals were charged with first-degree murder in connection to the case. Kevin Freeman, 27, of Castle Hayne; Rashawn Hines, 28, and 24-year-old Tykeke Hines, both of Wilmington, were already in custody on unrelated drug charges when they were charged with Gause's murder. A fourth suspect, 35-year-old Quentin Kennedy, turned himself in to authorities shortly thereafter.
All four suspects were held without bond at the New Hanover County Detention Center. The arrests were the result of ongoing investigative efforts by the Wilmington Police Department, which had urged anyone with information about the crime to come forward.
The community mourned the loss of Gause, a beloved figure whose life was tragically cut short. His death highlighted concerns about gun violence in Wilmington and underscored the importance of community cooperation in bringing those responsible to justice.
