Former Liberty University recruit shot near JMU dies

By Tony Gonzalez
Media General News Service
Published: November 21, 2008

Friends of Reginald “Shay” Nicholson said the former R.E. Lee High School star football player died early this morning at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville. He was 19.

Nicholson was shot in the back of the head Nov. 9 in Harrisonburg at an off-campus housing complex near James Madison University. He remained in critical condition for nearly two weeks.

Nicholson rushed for more than 1,200 yards in his senior season at R.E. Lee and was recruited to play at Liberty University in Lynchburg. He did not play as a freshman last year and left school in the spring. He was attending classes at Blue Ridge Community College.

More than 100 people gathered at Gypsy Hill Park Saturday evening in a vigil for Nicholson, who was beloved by friends for providing laughs and “new slang.” Vigil organizer Cindy Wood posted a new message to a fundraising Facebook group for Nicholson’s family, asking for continued prayer.

“The family needs your prayers more than anything right now,” Wood’s message said.

Authorities have arrested five men in relation to the shooting.

Zackery Turner, 18, of Charlottesville, faces four charges related to firing a gunshot that hit Nicholson. Jahmaine Faqiri, 18; Gregory Baker, 20; Demonds Parrish, 19; and Ricky Parrish, 21, all of Ruckersville, all were charged with assault and battery by a mob and gang participation. Faqiri also was charged with brandishing a firearm.