Javonti Lamont White, a 22-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on October 14, 2020, in Tarboro, North Carolina. Born on December 18, 1997, in Edgecombe County, NC, Javonti was the son of Lamont White and Angela Bullock. He was a beloved member of his community, leaving behind his parents, paternal grandmother Carrie White, maternal grandparents Queen and Wiley Bullock, three brothers, and one sister.
On the night of October 14, 2020, Javonti was found lying in the
parking lot of Section 1 of Pender Square Apartments on Benson Drive, suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite emergency rescue efforts, he was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Tarboro Police Department, along with deputies from the Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office, responded to the 911 call at approximately 11 p.m. that night.
The investigation quickly identified 27-year-old Rondell Ward, also of Tarboro, as the suspect. Ward turned himself in to law enforcement officials about an hour after the incident, arriving at the police department on Main Street in downtown Tarboro. He was immediately taken into custody and charged with an open count of felony murder. The firearm used in the homicide was recovered, and Ward cooperated with the investigation. However, the motive behind the shooting was not disclosed by the authorities.
Javonti's death left a significant impact on his family and community. His funeral services were held on October 24, 2020, at the Kingdom Empowerment Worship Center, followed by his burial at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens. The investigation into his murder continues, and anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Tarboro Police Department.
