Pastor, teacher remember Durham man killed in shooting

Officers found Joey Derek Squire in a breezeway outside his home at Bainbridge Apartments, 2907 Bainbridge Drive. He later died from the gunshot wound.

Brandon Tyrel Jones, 26, of Southpoint Crossing, is charged with murder. Those who knew the men say Jones, an Iraq war veteran, believed Squire had an affair with his wife while he was deployed. Police have not confirmed what the motive was.

Pastor Andy Thompson, of World Overcomers Christian Church in Durham, says Squire's death should be a cautionary tale for other young people.

"We're trying to use it to teach them to be careful of the decisions they make, but also we're trying to figure out what we can do to really keep (Squire's) name going," he said.

Squire played saxophone in the church's band and was a senior at North Carolina Central University, majoring in jazz music. He played at five church services, back-to-back, the weekend before he died, according to Thompson.

"It's just sad for an African-American young man to be senselessly murdered. It's a sad situation. It's a tough thing for us," Thompson said.

NCCU music professor Candace Bailey described her student as "soulful, sincere, mature and unique." She says she often saw him practicing his saxophone in the music department early in the morning. He also performed a song and sent it to her for her birthday, she said.

The school released a statement Wednesday, saying the school is saddened by Squire's death.

"We offer our prayers for the family that they may find the strength to survive this loss."

Ira Wiggins, an associate professor in the music department at NCCU, said Squire's inspiring life will be remembered. 

"Joey was a very sincerer person and was dedicated to the perfection of his craft," Wiggins said. "He will be missed but his spirit will continue to inspire me, fellow faculty members and other students in the department of music. I cam committed to ensuring that his life will have lasting meaning."