A North Carolina district attorney’s decision not to charge two undercover Gastonia police officers involved in the fatal shooting of Derrick Terrell Manigault, 43, has sparked anger from his family and members of the community.
The shooting happened on January 10 inside and outside Jakob’s Food Mart in Gastonia after officers said Manigault pulled out what appeared to be a handgun during a heated argument. Investigators later determined the weapon was actually a realistic-looking fake gun.
What Happened Inside the Store
According to the district attorney’s report, Manigault arrived at the convenience store and was immediately involved in a verbal confrontation with another man, identified as David Sanders. Surveillance video showed Manigault with what appeared to be a black firearm tucked into his waistband before entering the store.
Inside, Manigault continued arguing with Sanders while undercover Detective “C.H.” was nearby conducting an alcohol compliance operation. Investigators said Manigault repeatedly threatened Sanders and later pulled out what officers believed was a handgun.
The district attorney said Detective C.H. believed Manigault posed an immediate danger to everyone inside the store. Surveillance footage reportedly showed Manigault holding the weapon at his side before turning to leave the store.
As Manigault pushed open the door, Detective C.H. opened fire. Manigault ran into the parking lot while the detective continued shooting and ordering him to drop the weapon.
Officers Say They Believed He Was Armed
A second undercover officer, Sergeant “C.E.,” was sitting outside in a patrol vehicle when the shooting began. He told investigators he saw Manigault running with what appeared to be a handgun and believed he made an upward motion with it. Both officers fired multiple rounds.
Investigators later recovered a fake black handgun designed to look realistic and loaded with plastic imitation rounds. Officials noted the fake weapon did not have the orange safety tip commonly seen on toy guns.
An autopsy found Manigault suffered four gunshot wounds, including a fatal shot to the chest.
Family Disputes Police Actions
Manigault’s wife, Rebecca Insley, has strongly criticized the district attorney’s decision and accused officers of unnecessarily killing her husband. She argued that Manigault never pointed the fake gun at anyone and said video footage showed him trying to leave the store when officers began shooting.
Insley also questioned whether the officers identified themselves before opening fire and claimed police did not immediately provide medical aid after the shooting.
“My husband was not a throw away. He was loved by a lot of people,” she said while promising to continue seeking justice.
DA Says Shooting Was Legally Justified
After reviewing surveillance footage, body camera video, witness statements, and evidence collected by the North Carolina Bureau of Investigation, Gaston County District Attorney Travis Page concluded that the officers’ use of deadly force was legally justified.
The officers had been placed on paid administrative leave while investigations were conducted. No criminal charges will be filed against them.
