On Friday, November 8, 2024, at approximately 7:56 PM, emergency services personnel, including Kinston Police Officers were dispatched to Carver Courts Apartment Complex in reference to a hit and run motor vehicle crash involving two pedestrians. Upon arrival, officers observed a (2) year old female victim and (35) year old male victim suffering from serious injuries.  Officers assisted with medical aid and began the investigation process.

The (2) year old female victim was transported to UNC Lenoir Hospital where she later died as a result of her injuries. The (35) year old male victim was transported to ECU Health Center where he is currently listed in fair condition.

During the investigation, officers were able to identify a suspect vehicle and suspect responsible for the incident. The suspect was later apprehended at UNC Health Lenoir and placed under arrest. The suspect, Rashaun Wade, 10/25/2002, of Kinston, was charged with 2nd Degree Murder, 2 Counts of Felony Hit and Run, Felony Serious Injury by Vehicle, and DWI. Wade was placed in Lenoir County Jail.  Note: Wade is the father of the (2) year old victim.

The Kinston Police Department places the highest priority on investigating crimes of violence perpetrated in our city. We will investigate such cases without compromise for crime and continue to seek assistance from the community we proudly serve. If anyone has information about this incident, please 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.  Calls to Crime Stoppers are confidential and anonymous, and the caller may be eligible for a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest.