Romello Raykel Lilly, a 21-year-old African American male from Parkton, NC, was tragically shot and killed on December 23, 2022. The incident occurred in the 4700 block of Star Rite Lane in Parkton, a neighborhood off Lake Upchurch Drive. The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office reported that Lilly was killed shortly before 10 p.m. on that fateful night.
The shooting marked the end of a four-week break in homicides for Cumberland County investigators, with the last fatal shooting reported on November 25, 2022.
Following the incident, the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office identified Randquail Jahon Grace, a 21-year-old African American male, as a suspect in the murder of Romello Raykel Lilly. Grace was initially wanted for questioning in connection with Lilly's death. A murder warrant was subsequently issued for his arrest. Grace was considered armed and dangerous, and the authorities urged anyone who saw him to call 911 immediately.
On January 24, 2023, Randquail Jahon Grace was arrested in Randolph County by the U.S. Marshals Service Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force, with assistance from Cumberland County deputies. Grace was charged with first-degree murder in the death of Romello Raykel Lilly. He was taken into custody and held at the Randolph County Detention Center without bond. Grace was also facing a charge of felony probation violation, as he was serving 24 months probation in Moore County on charges of possession of a firearm by a felon and carrying a concealed weapon. Grace was scheduled to make his first appearance before a Cumberland County judge on the murder charge on January 26, 2023.
The investigation into the murder of Romello Raykel Lilly is ongoing, and the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office has urged anyone with further information regarding the case to contact Homicide Detective Senior Sgt. C. Zwan or Crimestoppers. The tragic death of Romello Raykel Lilly has left his family and community in mourning, as they seek justice for the young man's untimely demise.
