Update:

The Kinston Police Department released the victim’s name from the murder on Saturday. Jayden Ellis, 16 years old, lived in Kinston and went to Kinston High School.

Previous article:

On March 18th, 2023, at approximately 1:40pm, officers with the Kinston Police Department were dispatched to the area of 500 Marcella Dr. Kinston, N.C. In reference to a report of an unresponsive person.

Officers arrived on scene a located a 16 y/o male juvenile that had succumbed to injuries received as the result of a gun shot wound. At this time, the information of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of family members.

The Kinston Police Department is actively working this case. If anyone has information about this incident, please call the Kinston Police Department’s Tips Line at 252-939-4020 or Lenoir County Crime Stoppers at 252-523-4444.

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.

This investigation is in the preliminary stages and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Kinston Police Department.