Rynell Tyreek Gaines, a 27-year-old African American male, was found dead on October 23, 2015, in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. The incident initially appeared to be a vehicle crash at the intersection of 4th and Madison streets. However, upon closer examination, paramedics discovered that Gaines had been shot, turning the case into a homicide investigation.
The investigation revealed that Gaines had a history of legal troubles, which may have played a role in his untimely death.
The police received a call about the collision around 12:15 a.m., and upon arrival, they found Gaines unconscious in the vehicle. Despite the efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
James Antwon "Buster" Coleman III, a 24-year-old male from Weldon, North Carolina, was identified as the primary suspect in the shooting. Coleman turned himself in to Halifax County deputies on December 22, 2015, and was subsequently charged with murder. He was held without bond in the Halifax County jail. The police have not released further details about the motive behind the shooting or the evidence connecting Coleman to the crime.
The case remains a significant event in the Roanoke Rapids community, highlighting the ongoing issues of violence and crime in the area. The investigation into Gaines' death continues, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.
