An Easter egg hunt ended in tragedy after a domestic dispute led to a shooting and one church deacon dead. Empowerment Ministries Christian Center (EMCC) in the city of Gulfport had just completed its Easter egg hunt on April 12^th at the Goldin Sports Complex when 24-year-old Tyran Deion Gable allegedly opened fire during a child custody dispute with his child’s mother. 39-year-old church deacon Eddie Shed was present and attempted to protect the victim of the domestic dispute. He was shot multiple times and reported dead at the scene by police. Another individual who had tried to intervene was airlifted to an out-of-state hospital.

EMCC’s mourned Shed on its Facebook page. “We are heartbroken by the loss of Deacon Eddie Shed, a true hero taken from us too soon. His courage and commitment to our community will never be forgotten. He dedicated his life to serving others, leaving behind a loving family, including his wife Doris and their children,” the church stated. The church’s pastor, Gregg Magee called Shed a “hero.” “He paid the ultimate price for his valor, and we are deeply saddened by this loss. Deacon Shed was a pillar of strength within our community and a beacon of light and hope. His unwavering faith, kindness and dedication to serving others have left an indelible mark on all who knew him,” he stated. Another member of the church, Shatondria Ball, said Shed’s actions were typical of who he was. “I wouldn’t expect nothing less from him to do something like that, nothing less. He was just a hero,” she said.

Gable was arrested and charged with first-degree murder as well as aggravated assault for injuring the second person at the scene. Gable was denied bond on the murder charge and has a $250,000 bond set on the aggravated assault offense. Gable was also apparently shot during the incident and taken to a hospital in the area through a private car. There was some reporting of three suspects being detained regarding the shooting and the police are asking for information regarding the shooting. EMCC hopes to support Shed’s family through a GoFundMe that has been set up. The page refers to Shed as “a hero lost to senseless violence.” “Deacon Shed was not only a pillar of strength within our community but also a beacon of light and hope. His unwavering faith, kindness, and dedication to serving others have left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of love and service will continue to inspire us,” the site stated. Interested parties can support Shed’s GoFundMe here.