On July 9th, 2023, at approximately 3:00am Kinston Police Officers were actively patrolling the area of 1610 N. Queen St. Kinston, N.C. in reference to a large gathering that had a propensity for violence. As the party began to end officers observed individuals running from the area and heard approximately 50 gunshots.

Immediately after the shots ceased, officers located one victim that was suffering from a gunshot wound. Soon after officers were called to UNC Lenoir, where two more victims had arrived and were also suffering from gunshot wounds. The victims were transported to ECU Medical Center where they remain in serious condition.

The victims have been identified as two 19 year-old males and a 15 year-old juvenile all from Kinston. At this time, investigators are working with the victims and witnesses to determine the cause of the shooting.

The Kinston Police Department places the highest priority on investigating crimes of violence perpetrated in our city. We will continue to investigate such cases with no compromise for crime, and continue to seek assistance from the communities that we proudly serve. This case, as are all violent crimes until adjudicated, remains under investigation and anyone with information is encouraged to call the Kinston Police Department’s Tips Line at 252-939-4020, Lenoir County Crime Stoppers at 252-523-4444, or through the Tip411 App that’s available on both apple and android devices.