New rules for Gastonia homeless camp after deadly shooting

GASTONIA, N.C. — A man is dead and a suspect is in custody after a shooting in Gastonia on Sunday afternoon, according to the Gastonia Police Department. A homicide investigation is underway.

The shooting took place around 3 p.m. Sunday off North Oakland Street at Faith, Hope, and Love Ministries. 57-year-old Freddie Lee Byrd was found dead at the scene, according to GEMS. He had been shot in the chest.

Gastonia police said Donald Ray Beatty, 56, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and firearm by felon.

Investigators said both men lived at Faith, Hope, and Love Ministries in neighboring tents. They said the two men began arguing before Beatty allegedly shot Byrd.

Tatiana Bowen created a small memorial for Byrd at the spot where he was shot and killed.

“Too much emotions going on,” the friend said.

Byrd was one of the nice guys at the homeless encampment,” Bowen said.

“He was quiet. He was a good person. He didn’t mess with nobody,” Bowen said.

Nathan Whisnant lives in a tent next to the spot where the shooting happened.

“I could see everything from the opening in my tent,” Whisnant said.

He heard the argument then the gunshot.

“It was just so fast, like, ‘Pow,’” he said.

Beatty is being held in the Gaston County jail with no bond.

New rules

Police said they have answered hundreds of calls, including overdoses, at the camp over the last couple of years.

The people at the camp said it was the first reported murder there.

Rev. Moses Colbert operates the camp said it can’t happen again.

“We are going to have to make a lot of changes,” Colbert said.

Anyone with a weapon can now be kicked of the homeless encampment and banned.

“We are trying to work together to get the bad actors out of here,” Colbert said.

Colbert said he has had a problem with what he called gangs coming onto the encampment to take advantage of people who have few resources.

He said he will enforce the rule for registered guest only, and he will look for help from police and the city to ensure people at the camp are safe.

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