On August 20, 2023, at about 2:59 p.m., Gastonia police responded to a shooting at Faith, Hope, and Love Ministries, 418 N. Oakland Street. Officers found 57-year-old Freddie Lee Byrd with a gunshot wound to the chest; emergency medical services pronounced him dead at the scene. Investigators say Byrd and the suspect, 56-year-old Donald Ray Beatty, lived in neighboring tents on the ministry’s property, which operates as a shelter for people experiencing homelessness.

An argument between the two men escalated and Beatty fatally shot Byrd. Beatty was arrested at the scene and charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon; he is being held without bond. The incident has renewed scrutiny of the ministry’s encampment; pastor Moses Colbert said stricter rules will be implemented, including banning people found with weapons. Family members described Byrd as someone who had fallen on hard times but was trying to turn his life around and was loved by his family.

If anyone knew Freddie Byrd or has information about the situation at the encampment, please share what you know.