Jairen Jarquese Lyles, a 22-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on November 6, 2021, in Ahoskie, North Carolina. The incident occurred at the Alaysia Bar & Grill, located at the Ahoskie Inn, where a chaotic scene unfolded with multiple gunshots fired both inside and outside the establishment. Over 100 people were present at the time of the shooting, which left six individuals injured and Jairen Lyles dead.
The gunfire began inside the bar, leading to a chaotic crime scene with various types of gun casings found.
Following the incident, several arrests were made in connection with the fatal shooting. Jamal T. Sloan, a 24-year-old male, was initially arrested shortly after the shooting and charged with three felonies: inciting a riot, going armed to the terror of the people, and possession of a firearm by a felon. Sloan was later charged with first-degree murder, four felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon, and one additional count of felony inciting a riot. He is currently being held under no bond for the murder charge and a $500,000 bond for the other charges.
In addition to Sloan, three other individuals were arrested in connection with the shooting. Rayshawn Marquis Lee, a 28-year-old male, was charged with three felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon and is being held under a $750,000 secured bond. Lashawn Davon Pittman, a 28-year-old male, and D'Veron Dwight Saunders, a 24-year-old male, were both charged with one count of carrying a weapon into an establishment where alcoholic beverages are served. Pittman and Saunders were given bonds of $800 and $500, respectively.
The shooting led to the closure of the Alaysia Bar & Grill, and its manager surrendered all operating permits, including a license to sell alcohol, to North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement . The Ahoskie Police Department has been steadily working on the case since the night of the shooting, gathering enough evidence to bring these charges against the suspects. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to seek justice for Jairen Lyles and the other victims affected by this tragic event.
