please just sign the petition do not donate it does not go to fareed !!!! Please just sign do not donate !!!! We will have a go fund me up shortly 

To the Citizens of Norfolk and Surrounding Areas across the US 

We have known Fareed Nelson all of his life, some on a more intimate level as a son, husband, father, grandfather, and brother; others as a friend, family, classmate, coach, colleague, church member, employee, and acquaintance.

 

We are collectively writing this letter to introduce you to Fareed and solicit your support in his defense. Fareed is a “family man”. He is a husband (Shelronda Nelson) with three grown respectable, successful children. Eldest son Khire graduated from ECPI and is now a software developer at Bank of America As well as Successful real estate investor , Daughter Shadayiah is a General Manager for Tim Hortons after graduating from Maury high with honors and attending Tiffin University on an athletic scholarship ,and most recently his youngest son Egypt, an outstanding athlete (known to be one of the greatest football players in the area) graduated from Booker T. Washington High School with honors and is currently attending VMI on a football scholarship. 

 

Fareed is a hard worker in any setting. He is a successful businessman who owns and operates a successful carpet cleaning service. His honesty and integrity give him access to people's homes and businesses without reservation. He instilled that same honesty and integrity in family life. Fareed is a  man who believes in working to accomplish goals. Fareed worked for many years at Old Dominion Ship Repair, as a private contractor at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. He advanced to Supervisor and Ship Fitter. Fareed is multi-talented, as a member of the First Baptist Church of Lambert's Point he used his talents as a drummer in the Music Ministry.  He also participated in the Drama Ministry, with a recurring role as a shepherd in the annual “Black Nativity'' production. Fareed is God fearing, is always respectful of church leadership, the people of God, and the teachings of God.

 

Fareed believes in giving back to the community. From his high school days

until now, he has been actively involved in mentoring young men through coaching.

He coached Rec League football for Norfolk Titans and Shoop Park Cowboys and

coached basketball for the Norfolk Grizzlies. He was always passionate as an assistant football coach for Booker T High, coaching the offensive line as well. To date, the children adore  "Coach Reed." He instilled in them the core values of " Being a good person, earning the honest dollar, respecting people, always taking people's feelings into consideration, staying humble, and "to be a leader you must be accountable". 

This is just a glimpse of Fareed's character and accomplishments and further explains why we as a community must stand in his defense.

 

On June 4, 2021, Mr.Nelson (unarmed) simply went to his normal barber's appointment to get a routine haircut, having no idea his life would forever be changed. As a result of an altercation initiated by Mr. Calvin Durham Jr. Fareed shot and killed Mr. Durham in self-defense after being shot in the stomach three times by Mr. Durham. This is an unfortunate situation for both men. However, Fareed was only defending himself.

 

Unfortunately, Mr. Durham did not survive. Despite the situation, our prayers are with

Mr. Durham's family and friends.On July 14, 2023, Fareed was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony for shooting and killing Mr. Durham. Fareed killed Mr. Durham in self-defense and we believe should have been acquitted. 

 

Fareed's family and friends are still in shock over the verdict. The entire situation is no reflection of the man we know and love. Mr. Durham had clear intentions on June 4, 2021, of re-entering the barbershop with multiple firearms to attack an unarmed Fareed. It is our duty as citizens to uphold justice. We are unsure why citizens have not been made aware of criminal actions on Mr. Durham's behalf, such as all guns at  crime scene registering back to Durham.  Also , Mr. Durham's previous incidents with firearm at another Kappatal cuts location. 

 

    Fareed is scheduled to be sentenced on October 20th

2023. We are soliciting your prayers and support by

● Signing the attached petition:
 

● Follow this case on social platforms :
 

● Donating to his attorney's fees through the following link:
● Purchasing merchandise (t-shirts):
 

● Sharing this information throughout your local communities and across the region
 

● Sign up to speak at Norfolk City Council Meetings
 

● Send letters of concern directly to the Commonwealth attorney office:
           800 E City Hall Ave # 600, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 664-4444

 

● Join the family/friends on all court dates
 

         

(The family asks out of respect for Fareed's character that you remain quiet  and peaceful at all times). 

We want to be a true reflection of his character.

 

 

Sincerely,

Family and Friends of Fareed Nelson Luckett