Michael Joyner, a 39-year-old man, was tragically killed on October 22, 2020, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. The incident occurred at 12:45 a.m. on Cooley Road, where Joyner was shot by a man wielding a high-powered rifle. The shooter, identified as Tim Wheeler, had a history of altercations with Joyner. On the night of the incident, Joyner was at his home when his neighbor, Lung, came over and kicked his dog. This led to a physical confrontation between Joyner and Lung.
Lung and his girlfriend, Linda, sought charges against Joyner, but the magistrate declined to issue a warrant as Lung was on Joyner's property when the assault occurred.
Following this, Lung and Linda went to a local restaurant where they met Wheeler, who had a previous altercation with Joyner. Wheeler, armed with an AK-47, went to Lung and Linda's home, which was next door to Joyner's. Joyner, who was dating Linda's daughter, Tori, and had a 4-month-old baby with her, was called over to help Tori unload her truck. As Joyner approached the house, he was involved in an argument with Lung and Tori, during which Linda also hit him. Moments later, Wheeler shot Joyner, resulting in his death.
The Rocky Mount Police Department responded to the scene and found Joyner suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital, where he later died. Wheeler was taken into custody at the scene, but the case remains under investigation. The identity of the suspect was not released immediately, and the police have urged anyone with information to come forward. The community continues to seek justice for Joyner, with rewards being offered for information leading to an arrest.
