In the small town of Kenly, North Carolina, the life of 19-year-old Tony Curtis Stephens III was tragically cut short on the night of May 28, 2026. The teenager was fatally shot in what authorities have described as a domestic dispute that escalated to violence. The incident unfolded around 10:00 p.m. at a residence on West Fourth Street, shattering the late spring calm and leaving a family torn apart by the tragic events. An argument reportedly broke out, culminating in a single gunshot that would prove fatal for the young man.
Emergency services were dispatched to the scene, where they found Tony Curtis Stephens III suffering from a gunshot wound to his upper abdomen. He was initially transported by Johnston County EMS and later airlifted to WakeMed for emergency medical treatment in a desperate attempt to save his life. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, Stephens III succumbed to his injuries, leaving his family and friends to grapple with the sudden and violent loss. The young man, who was born on January 7, 2007, was remembered for his infectious smile and laughter that could illuminate any room. He was a graduate of Cary High School and had a passion for history, music, and spending time with his loved ones.
The investigation into the shooting led Kenly Police to arrest 54-year-old Tamiko T. Shearin. Investigators revealed that Shearin was in a dating relationship with the victim's father, 42-year-old Tony Curtis Stephens Jr. It is alleged that an argument between Shearin and Tony Curtis Stephens III led to the fatal shooting. Shearin was subsequently charged with voluntary manslaughter and is being held without bond for that charge. The case took a further turn when a search warrant executed at the residence uncovered illegal controlled substances. This discovery led to additional charges against Shearin for maintaining a dwelling for controlled substances, possession with intent to sell and deliver a controlled substance, felony possession of a controlled substance, and simple possession of marijuana, with a secured bond of $50,000 for these offenses. The victim's father, Tony Curtis Stephens Jr., was also implicated in the drug-related activities and faces the same charges as Shearin, with his bond also set at $50,000. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has been called in to assist the Kenly Police Department with the ongoing investigation into the tragic death of the young man and the associated drug offenses.
