Dexter O'Neal Miles, a 52-year-old man from Garysburg, North Carolina, tragically lost his life on April 6, 2021, in Weldon, North Carolina. He was one of two victims in a shooting incident at a home on Chestnut Street. The other victim, Levita Romane Webb, aged 41, was also killed, while a third person was injured but survived. The incident occurred early in the morning, and the motive behind the shooting remains unclear.
Investigators speculated that it might have been a robbery, but this has not been confirmed.
Following the incident, law enforcement authorities launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The State Bureau of Investigation assisted local police in piecing together the events of that tragic morning. The investigation revealed that the shooter opened fire at the front door of the house, but the exact reasons for targeting the victims were not immediately apparent.
In January 2022, two suspects, Omar Daquan Ponton, aged 29, and Jason Keith Alston, aged 33, both from Weldon, were arrested in connection with the double murder. Ponton was taken into custody by the Wake County Sheriff's Office, while Alston was apprehended with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Both suspects faced charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and robbery with a dangerous weapon. The case was significant as it marked the first homicides in Weldon since 2019.
The investigation continued as authorities worked to gather more evidence and build a strong case against the suspects. The community was deeply affected by the loss of Miles and Webb, and efforts were made to support those impacted by the tragedy. The suspects were held without bond and awaited their court dates, with the hope that justice would be served for the victims and their families.
The shooting incident in Weldon was a stark reminder of the impact of violence on small communities and the importance of thorough investigations to bring perpetrators to justice. The case highlighted the collaborative efforts of local and state law enforcement agencies in addressing such crimes and ensuring the safety of residents.
