On August 5th, 2023, members of the Kinston Police Department were conducting patrols in reference to suspicious activity along the 500 block of Larkspur Rd. During that time, they encountered the individual pictured below, who fled from officers and tossed a stolen firearm in the process. Since that time, the Kinston Police Department, with assistance from the NC DMV License and Theft Bureau, have been able to positively identify the suspect as Dionate Whitson, 21, of Ashville, N.C. Whitson is a wanted by the Asheville Police Department on a first-degree murder charge following a Nov. 28, 2020, killing of a teenager. The U.S. Marshals are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. Whitson has connections to Greenville, Charlotte and Asheville, NC, as well as Atlanta, and could be living among the homeless populations in those areas, according to investigators with the U.S. Marshals-led Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, who adopted the case in December 2020.

Whitson is described as a black male with brown eyes and black hair (photos below). He stands 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs approximately 150 pounds. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information on Whitson's whereabouts 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 is available on both apple and android devices. You may also contact the U.S. Marshals Service 1-877-WANTED2 or use the USMS Tips App. Your information will be taken in strict confidence. Your anonymity is guaranteed. You will never have to give your name or have to testify in court.