Frank White IV, a 19-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on June 5, 2021, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Frank was shot multiple times and left lifeless in the middle of the street, just 300 feet from his front door. This incident occurred one day after his high school graduation, adding to the heartbreak of his untimely death.
The community was left in shock and mourning as they grappled with the loss of a young life full of potential.
On the evening of June 5, 2021, at approximately 8:30 p.m., officers responded to a shooting in the 1800 block of Windsor Drive. Upon arrival, they found Frank White IV with multiple gunshot wounds. He was immediately taken to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. A 17-year-old boy, who was also shot at the same residence, was taken to the hospital and later discharged. The police investigation into the shooting began promptly, with the community and Frank's family seeking justice for the senseless act of violence.
Less than a week after the incident, Rocky Mount police arrested two suspects in connection with the shooting. Rakeem Cotton, 24, and Khalil Pierce-Sanders, 18, were apprehended and charged with two counts of breaking and entering into a vehicle and larceny of a firearm from a separate incident. Cotton was held without bond due to a federal probation violation, while Pierce-Sanders was given a $15,000 bond. The homicide investigation remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to seek answers and justice for Frank White IV and his family.
