On the evening of October 19, 2024, at approximately 8:41 p.m., the Duplin County Sheriff's Office responded to multiple reports of a shooting on Shine Road near Faison, North Carolina. Upon arrival, deputies discovered two individuals with gunshot wounds: 42-year-old Latonya Tiska Corbett and 65-year-old Russell Hines. Tragically, Corbett succumbed to her injuries at the scene, while Hines sustained non-life-threatening injuries and received medical attention.
Neighbors described the area as typically quiet, expressing shock at the sudden eruption of violence. One resident recounted hearing multiple gunshots, likening the sound to rapid, successive explosions. The community's familiarity with both victims has deepened the impact of the incident, leaving residents both saddened and concerned.
As of now, the Duplin County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with the District Attorney's Office, is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. No arrests have been reported, and authorities have not publicly identified any suspects. Investigators are urging anyone with information, regardless of how minor it may seem, to come forward to assist in solving the case. Individuals can contact the Duplin County Sheriff's Office at 910-296-2150 or utilize the tip line at 910-372-9202.
In the wake of this tragedy, the community mourns the loss of Latonya Corbett, remembering her as a cherished member whose life was abruptly taken. A funeral service is scheduled for November 9, 2024, at Hills Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Faison, with burial to follow at Devotional Gardens in Warsaw, North Carolina. Visitation will be held on November 8, 2024, at Hope Valley Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Clinton.
The incident has prompted discussions about community safety and the need for vigilance, as residents seek to come to terms with the violence that has disrupted their normally peaceful environment. Local law enforcement continues to emphasize the importance of community cooperation in bringing those responsible to justice and preventing future tragedies.
