Cortez Lavon Ebron, a 26-year-old African American male from Washington, NC, tragically lost his life on October 19, 2015. Ebron, also known by his nicknames "Joker" or "Tootie," was fatally shot outside a Clifton Meadows apartment on West Tenth Street. The incident was linked to a drug deal involving marijuana, according to law enforcement officials.
The community played a significant role in helping the authorities piece together the events that led to Ebron's death.
In the aftermath of the shooting, six individuals were arrested in connection with the murder. Michael Anthray Davis, 27, of Manual Drive, Washington, and Prentice Lee Barrow, 22, of Pantego Street, Belhaven, were among the first to be apprehended. They were charged with conspiracy to commit robbery and were held without bond at the Beaufort County Detention Center. Subsequently, Mary Elizabeth Glover, 17, and Antonio Bryce Topping, 18, both of River Chase Drive, Greenville, were arrested and charged with murder. They were placed in the Pitt County Detention Center without bond. Finally, William Alexander Melton, 19, of Cherokee Drive, Greenville, and Demetrius Dontrell Smith, 21, of Singletree Drive, Greenville, were also arrested and charged with murder. They, too, were held without bond at the Pitt County Detention Center.
The investigation into Ebron's death was a collaborative effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office, Hyde County Sheriff's Office, NCDPS Community Corrections, and the Greenville Police Department. The willingness of witnesses to come forward and provide crucial information was instrumental in identifying the suspects and bringing them to justice. The case highlighted the importance of community involvement in solving crimes and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
