Te’naji Cherry, a 20-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on October 23, 2022, in Conetoe, North Carolina. The incident occurred on Thigpen Road, where Cherry and another individual, 19-year-old Kedarrius Williams, were found injured from a shooting. Despite efforts to save him, Cherry succumbed to his injuries, while Williams was treated and released from the hospital the same night.
The Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene following a "shots fired" call around 6 p.m. that evening. The investigation into Cherry's death revealed that he was one of the victims in two separate deadly shootings that took place in Edgecombe County on the same day.
The investigation into Te’naji Cherry's death led to significant developments over the following year. On October 10, 2023, Kedarrius C. Williams, who had been injured in the same shooting incident, turned himself in to the Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office. Williams, now 20 years old, was charged with first-degree murder in connection with Cherry's death. The warrant for his arrest had been issued the previous day. This arrest marked a crucial step in the ongoing investigation, as authorities continued to piece together the events that led to the fatal shooting.
The community of Conetoe and the surrounding areas were deeply affected by the loss of Te’naji Cherry. His obituary highlighted the impact he had on his family and friends, who mourned the untimely passing of a young man with a promising future. Cherry's death, along with the other violent incidents in Edgecombe County, underscored the pressing need for addressing gun violence and ensuring the safety of residents in the area. The investigation into Cherry's murder remains active, with law enforcement officials working diligently to bring justice to his family and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
