Makiia Slade, a 9-year-old African American girl from Edenton, North Carolina, tragically lost her life on July 24, 2020. Makiia was fatally shot while sitting in a car with her mother, Shatory Hunter Slade, in the area of Lynnhaven Trailer Park. The incident occurred around 10:20 p.m. on U.S. Highway 17 near West Queen Street. Makiia was pronounced dead at the scene, while her mother was taken to Vidant Memorial Hospital for treatment of her injuries.
The Chowan County Sheriff's Office,
in collaboration with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, launched a homicide investigation into Makiia's death. A vehicle of interest was identified through witness statements and surveillance footage, showing a gold SUV following the victims' car just before the shooting. The driver of the vehicle was found and cooperated with investigators.
Makiia was a rising 4th-grade student at D.F. Walker Elementary School, where she was remembered as a precious gem with a bright smile and a gifted mind. Her teachers and school community were deeply saddened by her loss and mobilized a counseling support team to help students and staff cope with the tragedy.
Despite the cooperation of the driver of the vehicle of interest, no suspects have been named, and the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist in solving the case.
