On January 31 at approximately 3:15 a.m., the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting incident at 6214 Paul’s Path Road in LaGrange. Deputies arrived and found one male subject dead at the scene.

Detectives completed the crime scene investigation and are still following up on all information that has been provided by witnesses. The suspect in this shooting had fled the scene before law enforcement arrival.

Lenoir County Sheriff Ronnie Ingram states, “there was a gathering at this residence and we have been told two subjects began a verbal argument inside. The subjects separated and both went outside where they continued their argument which led to the shooting and death of the victim.”

The victim, Jalen Jamal Johnson, 27 years old of Grifton died from wounds at the scene.

Sheriff Ingram added, “this is an unfortunate incident where someone was killed because of an argument. We are working to piece together all the information that we have been provided to assist in locating the shooter. Our prayers go out to the family of the victim.”

The suspect in this incident has been identified as Rashawn Shareef Pridgen. Pridgen is a black male, 6’3”, 170 pounds. He is 34 years old. Detectives have obtained warrants against Pridgen for murder.

If you have any information regarding this incident or the location of the suspect, please contact the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office at 252-559-6118 or Lenoir County Crime Stoppers at 252-523-4444.