Man accused in slayings of Gaston County cousins faces judge

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — A man accused in the deaths of two people in Gaston County faced a judge for the first time Monday. The families of the victims gathered Monday afternoon for an emotional memorial.

There are still several unanswered questions, including why the two cousins, Derreck Brice and LaShea Coleman, were killed in their home. Brice had tried to mentor the man accused in his death.

“They will be never forgotten,” their aunt, Alyce McCaskill, said. “But they will be truly missed.”

Balloons flying in honor or Brice and Coleman, who were shot and killed in their Gaston County home.

“She was very fun, outgoing and enjoyed life,” cousin Shivon McDaniel said of Coleman.

She had cerebral palsy and needed crutches to walk. She also had a 1-year-old son.

McDaniel cried in anger when Channel 9 reporter Ken Lemon showed her video of Jose Rios’ first appearance in court Monday morning. He is charged with double murder.

“He has really taken our family for a spin,” McDaniel said. “He has wrecked it.”

Rios is 17 years old. He was a high school student who moved to the United States with his family three years ago. He told the judge he had trouble understanding everything said in the hearing.

“I understand what you telling me, but I don’t speak that much English,” Rios said.

Brice's pastor said Brice mentored at lot of young people and he had helped mentor Rios.

"He had witnessed to him and shared the Gospel with him and was trying to help him get a job,” the Rev. Curtis Carter, with Greater Generation Harvest, said.

Carter said he called Brice on Thursday, the day of his death. He said Brice had been busy that day trying to find a job for Rios.

"He on the phone while he was at the church checking on some jobs that he can introduce the young man to,” Carter said.

Rios will come back to court in a couple of days.

The judge said because he is a teenager, with a language barrier, he wants a court-appointed attorney to help Rios when his bond is set.

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