On August 14, 2022, 30-year-old African American male Orrick Lakei Parker was fatally shot at Meyers Park off Bell Street in Enfield, North Carolina. The incident occurred between 1 and 1:30 p.m. According to Enfield Police Chief James Ayers, 27-year-old Undray L. Batts Jr., also an African American male from Enfield, had just finished playing basketball when Parker arrived at the park. It was at this moment that Batts allegedly shot Parker, resulting in his death.
Authorities reported that Batts and Parker had a longstanding feud, though the specific nature of their dispute was not disclosed. Following the shooting, Batts fled to Rocky Mount, where he was apprehended a few hours later with assistance from the Halifax County Sheriff's Office and the Rocky Mount Police Department. Batts was subsequently charged with murder and discharging a firearm within city limits. He was held without bond and scheduled for a first appearance in Halifax County District Court.
In the ensuing legal proceedings, Batts claimed self-defense. He testified that upon arriving at the park, Parker pointed a rifle at him and threatened his life. Batts, who possessed a legally owned firearm and a concealed carry permit, stated that he retrieved his AR-15 from his vehicle and fired eight shots at Parker, four of which struck him. After the shooting, Batts left the scene, contacted 911, and surrendered to authorities in Rocky Mount, providing a full statement and handing over the firearm used.
The trial commenced on August 5, 2024, lasting eight days. On August 14, 2024, exactly two years after the incident, a Halifax County jury acquitted Batts of the murder charge, accepting his self-defense claim. Following the verdict, Batts expressed intentions to leave North Carolina and pursue further education, seeking a fresh start after the acquittal.
Orrick Lakei Parker was born on December 3, 1991. He is survived by his parents, LaShauna Parker and Andrick Lane; grandparents, Evelyn Parker and Clevand Garrett ; and siblings: Juan'taishia Hart, Fantacy Bryant, Tempest Watson, and Warren Hart Jr. A visitation was held on August 26, 2022, followed by a service on August 27, 2022, at St. Paul Baptist Church. Parker was laid to rest at Resthaven Memorial Gardens.
