Jalen Jamal Johnson, a 27-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on January 31, 2021, in La Grange, North Carolina. The incident occurred during a gathering at a residence on Paul's Path Road. According to reports, an argument broke out between Jalen Jamal Johnson and Rashawn Shareef Pridgen, a 34-year-old male. The verbal altercation escalated, leading the two men to step outside, where Pridgen allegedly shot Johnson.
When deputies arrived at the scene, they found Johnson deceased.
Following the incident, a manhunt was initiated to locate Rashawn Shareef Pridgen, who fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. The Lenoir County Sheriff's Office issued a warrant for Pridgen's arrest in connection with the shooting death of Jalen Jamal Johnson. Pridgen was eventually apprehended and charged with the murder of Johnson. He was held without bond at the Lenoir County Detention Center.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Jalen Jamal Johnson's death revealed that the argument between Johnson and Pridgen was the catalyst for the tragic event. The Lenoir County Sheriff's Office conducted a thorough crime scene investigation and interviewed witnesses to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. Sheriff Ronnie Ingram expressed his condolences to the family of the victim and emphasized the importance of gathering all available information to assist in locating the shooter.
Jalen Jamal Johnson's death has left a profound impact on his family and community. He is survived by his mother, Latoya Johnson, his father, Dexter Cobb, his son, Javonni Johnson, and his daughters, Jayla Johnson and Janylah Johnson. The family held a viewing and graveside rites to honor his memory and mourn his loss.
