Eblen Charities Fund for 12 Year Old Killed in Shooting in Asheville

Asheville -- Derrick Lee Jr. was shot and killed July 1, 2018 near his home.

 JULY 4, 2018

Eblen Charities has set up the Derrick Lee, Jr Family Memorial Fund to assist the family of twelve year old Derrick Lee, Jr. in the wake of his tragic shooting earlier this week.

The fund will be used to aid the family with funeral costs and other needs during the difficult aftermath of the heartbreaking incidents this past Sunday morning.

Derrick Lee Jr., was fatally shot shortly after 3 a.m. outside an apartment in the public housing complex just south of downtown. An 18-year-old, whose name police will not release, was also injured in a burst of gunfire, which bystanders said came from a vehicle.

Derrick was a rising seventh-grader at Valley Springs Middle School.

“We are saddened, as is our entire community, about the horrific events that claimed the life of Derrick. We are privileged to be working beside the wonderful administration, faculty, and staff of Buncombe County Schools in working with Derrick’s grandmother in this most difficult time,” states Bill Murdock, executive director of Eblen Charities.

Donations may be sent to Eblen Charities at 50 Westgate Parkway, Asheville, NC 28806. Checks should be made out to Eblen Charities with Derrick Lee Family Fund noted on the memo.

Donations may also be sent through  Eblen Charities scrolling down and highlighting Derrick Lee, Jr.. One hundred per-cent of all donations will go to assist the Smith family.

For more information please contact Bill Murdock at 828-242-2848 or via email at wmurdock@eblencharities.org.

*Crime Stoppers -- up to $5,000 was being offered for information leading to an arrest or indictment against those responsible for Derrick Lee Jr.'s death.