Jul 27

Jul 27 From targeted violence to random shootings, Kinston has a crime problem

Kinston has experienced a surge of violent crime in the past seven months. While most of those were said to be targeted attacks, the shootings early Monday morning were not.

Ervin Waters Jr., a resident of Greenville, has been charged with shooting at a 71-year-old’s car on July 25, 2022 at 4:20 am on Monday. He then allegedly shot and killed 28-year-old John Palmer on Airport Road at 4:45 am. At 5:45 the same morning, Waters is said to have shot and killed a 17-year-old.

“At this time, I do believe these are random acts of violence perpetrated by one individual against three innocent individuals,” said Kinston Police Department Captain Turner.

The victims of Monday’s shooting did not know the shooter. While two of the victims had a work relationship, the police believe that it was a coincidence and had nothing to do with the shooting.

“I just want our community to know that we are safe, and we are doing what is necessary to keep our community safe,” said Mayor Dontario Hardy. “We will continue to prosecute those who continue to be reckless within our community. We don’t stand for violence in our community.”

In June, Hardy discussed enforcing an existing curfew for unchaperoned youths and altering the times to reflect 9:00 pm to 6:00 am but had push-back from the city council. On July 12, 2022, Hardy held a press conference on the front steps of Kinston City Hall and spoke out about the targeted violence.

At the July 12th press conference, Hardy addressed the ones committing the offenses. He said, “We ask that you stop the senseless gun violence. Even though its targets are intentional, it’s not warranted for our city.”

In response to Monday’s random acts of violence, Hardy said, “At this present time or climate, you’ll have an increase in violent crime, but that’s the nature of the beast during summer months. You can expect that to happen.”

The Kinston Police Department has increased its presence in the community and frequently sends out reminders on social media to remind citizens to lock their doors.

“Primarily yes, the citizens of Kinston are safe,” said Turner. “These three acts of violence raise some concerns. With the shootings that occur in Kinston, they aren’t always random. It just turns out these three are.”

“In order to stop gun violence in Kinston, it will take the community as a whole,” said Turner. “Furthermore, individuals involved in gun-related crimes must make a responsible and personal choice to leave that life of crime.”

Listed below are shootings that happened in Kinston in 2022:

On January 26, 2022, three juveniles were shot near Mitchell Street, resulting in the death of a 14-year-old. The call to KPD about the shooting happened at 8:45 pm.
On March 15, 2022, a 27-year-old was shot at Carver Courts and KDP was notified at around 5:53 pm.
On May 5, 2022, Kinston Police Department responded to a shooting at 1:33 pm on the 600 block of East Highland Avenue that resulted in two fatalities.
On May 12, 2022 at 6:45 pm the Kinston Police Department responded to a shooting involving a 15-year old male.
On May 13, 2022, Kinston Police Department responded to a call of shots fired near the 400 block of Atlantic Avenue at 6:29 pm where a 17-year old was suffering from gunshot wounds.
On May 13, 2022, the Kinston Police Department responded to shots fired at the 300 Block of S. Adkin Street at 1:10 am that resulted in a fatality.
On July 3, 2022, there were 3 victims of gun violence with one deceased on Sunshine Street at around 4:20 am.
On July 5, 2022, there was a shooting with one victim near Pine Street and Hicks Avenue with one victim.
On July 25, 2022, KPD responded at 4:20 am at the intersection of Adkins and E. Bright Street, a 71 year old woman was shot at while in her car. She was unharmed.
On July 25, 2022, KPD responded at 4:40 am, on Airport Road, a shooting resulted in the death of a 28 year old.
On July 25, 2022, KPD responded at 5:45 am, on Hyman Avenue, a shooting resulted in the death of a 17 year old.

The Kinston Police Department made arrests for most of these incidents within the first few days afterward.

“The Kinston Police Department is working with the Lenoir County District Attorney’s Office as well as the United States Attorney’s Office to ensure the offenders receive sentences that are just and to bring justice and closure to the victims and their families,” said Turner about Monday’s incidents.

The victims and their families are receiving an outpouring of support from their community. Because the 17-year-old victim was a minor, Neuse News is not reporting his name. UNC Lenoir Health Care released the following post on their Facebook Page.