A North Carolina community is mourning the loss of a father of 11 who was shot and killed while holding his 8-month-old baby, in what family members describe as a final act of love and protection.
According to authorities, 36-year-old Devonelle Brimage was found dead inside a vehicle parked at his home on Latham Avenue in Plymouth. Police say the shooting occurred around 1:30 a.m. while Brimage was sitting in the car with his infant child and another adult passenger.
Family members say Brimage was holding the baby at the time gunfire erupted. Investigators found the child and another man, identified as 38-year-old Avione Webb, both suffering from gunshot wounds.
The infant was rushed to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released. Webb was also hospitalized for his injuries.
Authorities confirmed that Brimage died at the scene.
A GoFundMe created to support the family describes Brimage’s final moments as heroic, stating he used his own body to shield his child from the gunfire.
“In his final moments, he showed incredible courage and love—using his own body to shield and protect his 8-month-old baby,” the fundraiser reads.
Brimage is remembered as a devoted father and loved one. In addition to his 11 children, he is also survived by 11 siblings.
Police say no suspect or motive has been publicly identified, and the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are working with state and local agencies and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
As loved ones grieve, many are remembering Brimage not only for the life he lived—but for the sacrifice he made in his final moments.
