On New Year's Day in 2015, the life of Derrick D. Higgins, a 32-year-old Black/African American man, was tragically cut short in Winfield, Kansas. The incident that led to his death occurred at a local bar, forever altering the lives of his family and the community. Higgins, who had recently moved to Winfield with his wife, Amanda Cates, in November 2014, was a father to six children.
Originally from South Carolina, he was a talented athlete in his youth, particularly in football, and was known for his love of sports and music.
The events of that day unfolded when a dispute inside the bar escalated into violence. Timothy Boyd, the individual responsible, fatally shot Higgins. The act of violence plunged the community into shock and mourning for a man who had only recently become a resident. Law enforcement swiftly launched an investigation into the shooting, which led to the identification and arrest of a suspect.
The legal process that followed brought some measure of closure to the grieving family. Timothy Boyd was charged in connection with the shooting death of Derrick Higgins. In December of that same year, Boyd pleaded no contest to a charge of second-degree murder. Ultimately, he was sentenced to twelve and a half years in prison for his role in the fatal shooting.
