Levaska Smith III, a 31-year-old African American male, was tragically shot and killed outside a home in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, on Thanksgiving night, November 25, 2021. The incident occurred around 11:45 p.m. in the 2500 block of Sexton Road. When police arrived at the scene, they found Smith lying in the yard of a home, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The shooting was captured on a Ring camera, which showed a man walking to a car and a woman shouting, followed by the sound of gunshots. The footage also showed two people running across the cul-de-sac before the police arrived.
Two suspects, Kenneth Parker, a 35-year-old male from Rocky Mount, and Raylon Parker, a 33-year-old male from Enfield, were arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Smith's death. Both suspects knew Smith prior to the shooting, although they were not related to each other. The suspects were taken into custody at the Nash County Detention Facility without bond. The investigation into the homicide is ongoing, and authorities have urged anyone with information or video footage related to the incident to contact the Rocky Mount Police Department or Twin County Crime Stoppers.
The community was deeply affected by the tragic event, especially given that it occurred on a day meant for family gatherings and celebration. Neighbors expressed their shock and concern over the safety of their neighborhood, with some residents stating that they no longer felt safe in their homes. The incident has left a lasting impact on the community, highlighting the need for continued efforts to address violence and ensure the safety of residents.
