FARGO, N.D. — A tragic incident unfolded in the calm streets of Moorhead when James Earl Hamilton, a 39-year-old father of five who relocated from a violence-prone background in Minneapolis to provide a safer environment for his children, was fatally shot in the early hours of a Sunday morning. The devastating act occurred right in the driveway of a Moorhead residence, witnessed by one of his children, marking a violent shatter of the peaceful life he had strived to build.
Seeking to escape the pervasive gun violence of his youth, Hamilton’s dream of a tranquil life ended abruptly on April 13. Authorities received a 911 call around 9:30 a.m. reporting gunshots and sighting a man with dreadlocks driving away from the crime scene in a mint green Chevrolet Trax SUV.
The eyewitness, Hamilton’s son, identified the shooter as 35-year-old Jerome Anthony Thomas III. In swift response, police traced the vehicle to Abby Nicole Fredrickson, 32, of Moorhead, leading to the arrest of both individuals in Michigan the subsequent morning. Thomas now faces charges of murder and is detained in Clay County jail on $2 million bail. Fredrickson is accused of aiding an offender, implicated in assisting Thomas’s escape.
Hamilton, described by his family as the cornerstone of both his immediate and extended family, played a pivotal role as both a guardian and a role model. His younger brother Duwayne Mitchell, 38, of Fargo, expressed how Hamilton had taught him the essence of fatherhood, compensating for the absence of their own father during their upbringing.
“He was the epitome of what it means to be a father figure,” Duwayne said. “Growing up without a dad, James filled those shoes and showed me how to lead with compassion and strength.”
The brothers recall Hamilton’s life as one deeply integrated with his children’s activities, especially basketball. Hamilton frequently attended Courts Plus, where he would enthusiastically rebound balls for his sons and their friends. His commitment to nurturing their skills was unwavering, as evidenced by the rigorous training schedules he set for them, continuing even after his untimely death.
Hamilton’s eldest son, James Hamilton Jr., had recently graduated from Fargo South High School where he was a prominent basketball player. His talent and dedication led him to a preparatory school in Florida, aiming to enhance his prospects of playing college ball.
The sudden loss of Hamilton has put significant emotional and logistical strains on the family. Plans for his funeral have been paused as the investigation continues, with his body still under the custody of the medical examiner. Nevertheless, the family has organized multiple celebrations of life across cities meaningful to Hamilton, including Fargo and Chicago.
To further support Hamilton’s children, Duwayne Mitchell has initiated a GoFundMe campaign. Proceeds from this fund are intended to cover daily expenses, educational needs, and other unforeseen costs, ensuring the children continue to receive the support necessary to navigate this challenging period.
This tragic event underscores the poignant irony of Hamilton’s fate – fleeing gun violence only to fall victim to the same menace in his chosen sanctuary. As the community rallies around the bereaved family, the stark reminder of pervasive urban violence resonates deeply, sparking conversations on community safety and the impact of gun violence on families striving for a peaceful existence.