Daquan Almanta Simms, a 26-year-old African American male from Goldsboro, North Carolina, tragically lost his life on the evening of October 26, 2024. The incident occurred around 9:22 p.m. in the 800 block of Newsome Street, where officers from the Goldsboro Police Department and deputies from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office responded to a ShotSpotter alert and multiple 911 calls. Upon arrival, authorities discovered Simms suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
He was initially transported to UNC Health Wayne for emergency treatment before being airlifted to ECU Health in Greenville for further medical care. Despite efforts to save him, Simms succumbed to his injuries the following day.
Following an intensive investigation, law enforcement officials identified a suspect in connection with the fatal shooting. A warrant was issued for the arrest of 38-year-old Brian Levert Blount, who was charged with one count of murder and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. On the morning of October 29, 2024, Blount was apprehended without incident in the 100 block of Wood Peck Road in Goldsboro by members of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and Goldsboro Police Department. He was subsequently taken before a magistrate, where he was denied bond pending his first court appearance. Blount was then placed in the custody of the Wayne County Detention Center.
The tragic death of Daquan Almanta Simms, a young African American man, has left the Goldsboro community in mourning. His passing was formally announced by Williams & Ashford Funeral Directors and Cremations, LLC, who expressed their profound sympathy for his family and loved ones. No formal arrangements were made for his funeral services. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death continues as authorities work to ensure justice is served.
