India Kynar Semaj Rice, a 27-year-old African American woman, tragically passed away on May 12, 2021, in Hickory, North Carolina. Born on July 8, 1993, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, she was the daughter of Donnie and Lanora Pearson Evans. India was known for her vibrant personality and her love for hair and makeup. She had started an online boutique called "30 Shades of Flyy" and was affectionately known by several nicknames, including "Semaj," "Partner," and "Majstaks."
India was a caring and giving person who was deeply loved by her family and friends.
On the night of May 12, 2021, Hickory Police Officers responded to a 911 call reporting a shooting at a residence on 17th Street NW. Upon arrival, they found India Kynar Semaj Rice inside the residence with a single gunshot wound. Catawba County EMS arrived shortly after and pronounced her deceased at the scene. According to the investigation, India and several other individuals were inside the home when an unknown person or people fired multiple rounds into the residence from a passenger vehicle traveling on 17th Street NW.
The Hickory Police Department has been actively investigating the case, but as of now, no suspects have been identified or arrested. Billboards have been placed in three locations around Hickory, asking for the public's help in solving the case. India's mother, Lanora Evans, took out some of her own money to pay for the billboards, which are located along Highland Avenue NE, U.S. 70 East, and U.S. 321. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information regarding the fatal shooting is encouraged to contact the Hickory Police Department.
