On January 1, 2025, at approximately 11:20 PM, a tragic incident occurred in the 1700 block of Peachtree Street in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. John Derriman Richards, a 54-year-old male, was fatally shot inside his residence during what appears to be a targeted attack. The incident also resulted in the injury of a child who was present in the home at the time, though their wounds were reported as non-life-threatening.
Five other individuals - two adults and three children - were also present in the home during the shooting but escaped physical harm.
According to law enforcement reports, unidentified suspects approached the Peachtree Street residence on foot and discharged multiple rounds into the home before fleeing the scene on foot. The Winston-Salem Police Department has classified the incident as a homicide and indicated it was an isolated event. As of initial reporting, no suspect descriptions have been provided by authorities, and no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting.
John Derriman Richards, born on April 26, 1970, was remembered in memorial services held at Emmanuel Baptist Church on January 13, with both a visitation and funeral service taking place at 1075 Shalimar Drive in Winston-Salem. The Winston-Salem Police Department continues to seek information regarding the shooting and has established multiple channels for anonymous tips, including their direct line, Crime Stoppers, and a text-based reporting system.
