Barbershop Owner Charged with Murder After Neighbor’s Racial Slurs

A Montgomery County barbershop owner, Maurice Byrd, 41, has been charged with the murder of his neighbor, Stephen Strassburg, 37, after a fatal shooting outside Razor Reese’s Salon and Spa in Hatboro, Pennsylvania.

The incident occurred on June 8, 2024, when Byrd called 911, claiming he was being harassed by Strassburg, who repeatedly used a racial slur against him. During the call, the dispatcher heard multiple gunshots.

Authorities found Strassburg with several gunshot wounds. He later died at the hospital. Byrd told the dispatcher, “I just had to shoot him,” after Strassburg allegedly lunged at him and continued to verbally assault him.

Witnesses corroborated that Strassburg, who lived above the barbershop, had a history of disputes with Byrd and had used racial slurs during their altercations. Byrd was arrested and charged with first-degree and third-degree murder, and possession of a weapon. He remains in custody without bail.