James Lamont Stephens, a 32-year-old African American male, was tragically shot and killed on November 7, 2018, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. on the 3000 block of Gilmer Avenue, a location known for large outdoor gatherings. When officers arrived at the scene, they found several people standing outside near the victim's body. However, no one admitted to witnessing the shooting.
One individual reported hearing a single gunshot and seeing several people running away. An autopsy later revealed that Stephens had been shot once in the left temple and had cocaine in his system at the time of his death.
The investigation into Stephens' death led to the arrest of Kenyana Jaquan Lowery, a 27-year-old male, who was identified as the shooter. An anonymous tip to Crimestoppers reported that someone known by the alias 'KP' was responsible for the shooting and that another person had helped him leave the scene and hide the gun. The tip claimed that the murder weapon was buried in the backyard of a home on the 3600 block of Cornell Boulevard. Investigators later identified Lowery as 'KP' and interviewed the person accused of helping him hide the murder weapon. This individual admitted to being present at the scene when Lowery exited the truck they were both seated in, walked up to Stephens, and fatally shot him. They also admitted to helping Lowery bury the handgun used in the killing and led officers to the backyard where the murder weapon was found.
Lowery was arrested on January 17, 2019, and charged with Stephens' murder. He was apprehended without incident at 510 Shamel Court in Winston-Salem and held in the Forsyth County Detention Center under no bond. On the same day, 36-year-old Latasha Jeanette Hardy was also arrested and charged with accessory before the fact to felony and accessory after the fact to felony. Hardy's bond information was not released.
During his interview with the Winston-Salem Police Department, Lowery admitted to shooting Stephens. He claimed that Stephens had 'beaten up' earlier that day and had threatened him. At the time of his death, Stephens was a suspect in several armed robberies. The case highlights the complexities and challenges faced by law enforcement in solving violent crimes and bringing justice to the victims and their families.
