Gang-Related Shootings, Illegal Guns, Felon’s Firearm Conviction: Henderson Man Sentenced

RALEIGH, NC – A Henderson, North Carolina, man has been sentenced to 71 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon in connection with an incident that took place in the city in May 2022.

Jaymon Gibson, 26, pled guilty to the charges on Oct. 10, 2024. Gibson’s case sheds light on a string of violent incidents, including two gang-related shootings in May 2022, which involved stolen firearms, straw purchases, and a cascade of gunfire in a daytime shooting that endangered bystanders.

Powell Street Shooting: A Night of Gunfire

The first incident unfolded on May 10, 2022, at 11:15 p.m. on Powell Street in Henderson. Responding to reports of a shooting, the Henderson Police Department (HPD) found Gibson in a car, bleeding from gunshot wounds. Nearby, officers discovered a Glock 19 9mm handgun with an American flag pattern and a 50-round drum magazine. Doorbell camera footage confirmed that Gibson had been walking with the gun shortly before the shooting.

The Stolen Gun Connection

Monica Ellis, a co-defendant in the case, reported the Glock 19 stolen the day after the Powell Street incident. Investigators discovered that Ellis had purchased the gun on March 8, 2022, while Gibson was still serving time for a voluntary manslaughter conviction. Jail phone recordings revealed that Gibson orchestrated the purchase, using Ellis as a straw buyer to circumvent federal restrictions. In one call, Ellis even placed a three-way phone call with Gibson and a gun store clerk.

Gates City Foods Shootout: A Chaotic Afternoon

Eighteen days later, on May 28, 2022, another violent confrontation occurred at Gates City Foods gas station. Surveillance footage captured a scene that can only be described as chaotic:

• A car driven by Gibson pulled up to a pump while a white car carrying four individuals arrived nearby.
• Moments later, multiple individuals stepped out with firearms, including a juvenile holding a long gun with a drum magazine and another passenger carrying a handgun.
• Gunfire erupted in all directions. Gibson, crouching behind his car, exchanged shots with the others. The driver of the white car accidentally shot himself in the foot during the melee.
• Bullets struck multiple vehicles, apartments, and even the bedroom window of a sleeping resident. Despite the intense exchange, no one was injured.

Evidence and Arrest

Following the Gates City Foods shootout, Gibson was arrested on June 2, 2022, at a Durham apartment. Investigators recovered a .22-caliber rifle and a high-capacity magazine that matched shell casings found at the gas station, further solidifying Gibson’s involvement.

Sentencing and Consequences

In addition to Gibson’s 71-month prison sentence, his co-defendant, Monica Ellis, received time served and two years of supervised release after pleading guilty to lying to federal agents about the straw purchase. Another participant, Jordan Turnage, was sentenced in state court to 38–58 months for related felony charges.

Law Enforcement and Prosecution Response

Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar emphasized the priority of keeping guns out of criminals’ hands:
“Keeping firearms out of the hands of criminals that endanger public safety remains a top priority for our office.”
Henderson Police Chief Marcus W. Barrow praised the ongoing partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF):
“This case serves as yet another testament to our collective dedication in the fight against gun violence, and we remain resolute in our commitment to securing a safer future for all.”

Conclusion: A Community Impacted

This case highlights the dangers posed by illegal firearms and gang-related violence. Gibson’s actions not only violated federal law but also put countless innocent lives at risk. Through collaboration between federal and local agencies, a violent offender has been removed from the community, setting an example that those who use firearms to endanger public safety will face serious consequences.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-0043-D.