By Charlotte Smith
Update: The autopsy was scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, 2020, according to the Medical Examiner. As of Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at 3 p.m. The SBI and the Bladenboro Police Department are waiting on the results of the autopsy and the results of the evidence to come back. A formal press release will be distributed once the investigation is closed.
On Sunday, March 15, 2020, at approximately 8:35 p.m. Bladen County 911 Operations Center received a call of a reported subject shot at 419 Elizabethtown Road, Apartment 10 in Bladenboro. According to a report released by Bladen County Medical Examiner, Jeremy Richardson, the Bladenboro Police Department responded to the call and arrived within three minutes to the scene.
Law enforcement located one male, deceased inside the residence.
Da’Shawn Elijah Lenell Hines, 18 years of age, of 16358 Twisted Hickory Road died of injuries sustained from a gunshot wound, according to Richardson. Chief of Bladenboro Police Department, William Howell, stated the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information may contact the Bladenboro Police Department at 910-863-3333. The Bladenboro Police Department is investigating the incident with the assistance of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations.
BladenOnline.com reached out the Chief Howell for further comment. According to Chief Howell, Hines will be sent for an autopsy. The SBI will make a statement after the autopsy is complete.
West Bladen High School posted a request for prayers on their Facebook page stating, “Prayers for us at the castle and the family and friends of Knight Da’Shawn Hines (Da Da). He was loved by so many and his smile was infectious. We are deeply saddened by this loss, and he will be dearly missed.”
BladenOnline.com reached out to Bladen County Schools’ Valerie Newton, Public Relations Officer, to ask if the Schools will have any counselors on-site for students and staff.
Newton stated, “We are saddened to learn of the passing of Da’Shawn, one of our students at West Bladen. Death of a young person is especially heartbreaking and traumatic. Our hearts are extended to Da’Shawn’s family.”
She continued, “Although our students and staff are not in school due to the statewide school closing executive order given by the governor, we encourage them to talk with family and friends about what they are feeling. We have many local churches and crisis agencies that are willing to provide grief support.”
“When we are able to reopen our schools, our school counselors, school nurses, school psychologists and school social workers will be able to provide support services to the students and staff at West Bladen before, during, and after school,” Newton stated in closing.
Eastpointe offers Bladen County residents mental and behavioral health support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For 24/7 support, call 800.913.6109.
No one can protect children and youth from the pain of loss. However, coping skills may be taught to those who have suffered a loss of a classmate and friend.
Rachel Ehmke, with the Child Mind Institue, gives the following tips on helping children deal with grief.
Encourage a child grieving to express feelings
Be developmentally appropriate
Be direct
Don’t ignore your own grief
Read these tips and more on their website.
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