HIGH POINT, N.C. — The family of a man who was shot and killed by a Davidson County Sheriff's Office deputy in plain clothes spoke Monday after receiving the results of the victim’s autopsy.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, North Carolina activist Rev. Greg Drumwright, and members of Fred Cox's family delivered statements about the autopsy report of the case, calling for the deputy who shot Cox to be held accountable. Crump presented an autopsy display showing four bullet wounds.
18-year-old Cox was shot to death on Nov. 8, 2020, while attending a funeral at Living Water Baptist Church in High Point.
Family members said Cox tried to save lives by getting people inside the church during a drive-by shooting at the funeral.
High Point Police said Cox was shot by the deputy after the shooting in the parking lot of the church. The deputy was there at the request of the family and to make contact with potential witnesses in the killing of Jonas Thompson, Jr., that happened a couple of weeks prior, an SBI spokesperson said.
The SBI said in January, a preliminary investigation revealed a plain-clothed Davidson County deputy opened fire after the drive-by and after “coming into contact with Cox.” The deputy “observed Cox with a handgun at the time {the deputy} discharged his weapon and other witnesses observed a handgun near Cox after he was shot,” the report said.
Crump, who has represented high-profile cases like the family of George Floyd, said that is a false narrative.
"Fred held the door to make sure others got out of harm’s way and he took the bullets," Crump said in January.
Crump also said Cox was a hero who died ushering two people inside the church, away from the drive-by gunfire that police believe to be gang-related.
"He's a hero, you can't kill a hero," Crump said.
During the initial investigation, an SBI spokesperson said they are awaiting the autopsy report before the case file is submitted to the district attorney.
Cox's family wants the name of the deputy to be released. The SBI said for the deputy’s safety, they have no plans to do so.
Cox leaves behind two infants, a 1-year-old and a 9-month-old.
The state NAACP president, Dr. T.A. Spearman and local president, Mr. Jimmy Adams, will also offer remarks at Monday’s news conference.
Rev. Drumwright and Mr. Crump will be taking questions on Fred Cox’s case as well as offering an update on the George Floyd case, currently underway in Minneapolis, MN.