Rashawn Franklin, a 24-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on May 2, 2019, in Kinston, North Carolina. The incident occurred in the afternoon when Rashawn was shot while in the front yard of a residence on North Orion Street. The assailants fled the scene immediately after the shooting, leaving Rashawn to succumb to his injuries at the location.
Another individual, Jonathan Simmons, 41, was also injured in the shooting and was transported to Vidant Medical Center for treatment.
Following the incident, the Kinston Police Department, with the assistance of the USMS Violent Fugitive Task Force, conducted a thorough investigation that led to the arrest of three individuals. Dantravelle Shackleford was apprehended during a traffic stop and found hiding in the trunk of a vehicle. He was charged with murder, attempted murder, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Sandra Johnson, who was also in the vehicle at the time of the traffic stop, was charged with accessory after the fact of murder and misdemeanor child abuse, as a child under her care was present in the vehicle. Chipel Lisbon, the driver of the vehicle, was similarly charged with accessory after the fact of murder.
The arrests marked a significant development in the case, as the community sought justice for Rashawn Franklin. The investigation revealed that the shooting was not a random act of violence, but rather a targeted attack. The motive behind the shooting, however, remains unclear. The Kinston Police Department continues to encourage anyone with information about the case to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.
Rashawn Franklin's death has left a profound impact on his family and the Kinston community. His life was celebrated in a memorial service held at the River of Life Christian Center, where friends and family gathered to honor his memory. The tragic loss of this young man serves as a stark reminder of the senseless violence that can shatter lives and communities. The pursuit of justice for Rashawn Franklin remains a priority for law enforcement and the community alike, as they work together to bring those responsible to account and prevent such tragedies in the future.
