A 20-year-old man was shot and killed Tuesday at a convenience store in Pitt County, North Carolina. Police responded to the Speedway at Highway 43 and MacGregor Downs Road, outside of Greenville, after receiving reports of shots fired around 3:40 p.m. They discovered Taeshawn Gunter of Pintops, North Carolina, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency personnel transported him to ECU Health Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities have stated that they believe they have already interviewed the individual responsible for the shooting of Gunter. Although the investigation is ongoing, they indicated they would consult with the district attorney to determine whether to charge the suspect with murder, according to WITN. As of Sunday, no charges have been laid and police are urging anyone with information to come forward. They emphasized that this was an isolated incident and assured the public that there was no ongoing threat.
This tragic event follows the death of a seven-year-old boy, Mason Jenkins, who was killed by a stray bullet in nearby Burlington, North Carolina, just weeks earlier. Police reported that Mason was sitting outside his building when he was hit. Despite being airlifted to a hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.
“I just want justice for my baby,” Mason’s mother, Ashley Welcher, said through tears. WXII12. “He was a sweet, precious baby, you know, just happy, good luck. He was just very loving. “That was my baby, but they took him away too soon.”
Police have since arrested two people in connection with the boy’s death. Tremaine Armstrong, 18, of Burlington, is charged with attempted first-degree murder, while Kemontae Crosby, 21, of Graham, faces charges of “accomplice to attempted first-degree murder.”
On Sunday, neighbors at Beaumont Avenue Apartments held a vigil for Mason, who had only lived in the complex for four months. “A lot of people really love Mason,” Ashley said. “You can’t help but love Mason. “I just wanted to go out and play and be a kid, and I couldn’t even do that.” To support Ashley and her two other children, the family has launched a GoFundMe campaign.
Burlington Police Chief Alan Balog expressed his condolences, saying, “We are committed to holding those responsible for this crime accountable and the investigation to gather all available facts is ongoing. “Our community needs everyone who saw what happened to step forward, do the right thing and contact the police department.”
The Burlington Police Department is actively seeking information about the shooting and noted that there were more than a dozen people present when the shooting broke out. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Burlington Police Department at (336) 229-3500. Anonymous tips can also be made through Alamance County Crimestoppers at (336) 229-7100 or through the P3 Tips mobile app. Tips provided through Crimestoppers may be eligible for cash rewards.
Chief Balog added, “We need everyone’s help to obtain vital information to bring justice to the family of the 7-year-old boy who died in this incident.”
