Joshua Lee Gilliland, 25, of Gastonia, North Carolina, was shot and killed on the night of August 21, 2015, at the Gaston Inn in Gastonia. He went to the motel to help a friend, Darren Adams, who had been behaving erratically. Two women visiting Adams decided to leave and one left a bag behind; Joshua volunteered to retrieve it and was shot in the head by Adams.

Joshua was born in Gaston County and was the son of Earl and Jackie Wilson Gilliland. He was survived by his parents, grandparents, two sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and a nephew. His funeral service was held at Sharon Free Will Baptist Church in Gastonia, and he was buried in the church cemetery.

Adams was later arrested and charged with first-degree murder; the first court appearance drew Joshua’s grieving family. Does anyone have information about that night at the Gaston Inn or knew Joshua and can add details?