Derrick Anthony Bryant, a 53-year-old African American man, was tragically killed on June 11, 2021, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. in the 600 block of Park Avenue. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Bryant unresponsive with a gunshot wound. Despite the efforts of first responders and EMS, Bryant succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The investigation into Bryant's death led to the arrest of two 19-year-old suspects, Anthony Horne and
Shyheem Smith. Horne was charged with conspiracy to commit robbery and first-degree murder, while Smith was charged with first-degree murder. Both suspects were taken into custody and held without bond, Horne at the Guilford County Jail in Greensboro and Smith at the Edgecombe County Detention facility.
The case garnered significant attention due to the nature of the crime and the young age of the suspects. The Rocky Mount Police Department conducted a thorough investigation, which revealed that the motive behind the murder was robbery. The arrests of Horne and Smith were a result of diligent police work and community cooperation. The legal proceedings for both suspects are ongoing, with the charges against them reflecting the severity of the crime.
Bryant's death has had a profound impact on the Rocky Mount community, highlighting the need for continued efforts to address gun violence and support victims' families. The case remains a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of violent crime and the importance of justice for victims like Derrick Anthony Bryant.
