On September 19, 2024, at approximately 11:55 a.m., Greenville Police Department officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 600 block of Glendale Drive. Upon arrival, they discovered 17-year-old Keshawn Montrale Barrett suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Barrett was promptly transported to ECU Health Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
The incident prompted nearby J.H.
Rose High School and South Greenville Elementary School to implement modified lockdowns as a precautionary measure. These lockdowns were lifted shortly after 12:48 p.m.
Investigators quickly identified a 16-year-old male suspect, known to Barrett, believed to have engaged in an argument with him leading up to the shooting. The suspect, who is not from the Greenville area, was apprehended on Deck Street shortly after the incident and taken into custody. Due to his age, authorities have not released his name. He is currently facing an open count of murder and is detained at the Pitt County Juvenile Detention Center.
In the wake of Barrett's tragic death, his family has been left devastated. A GoFundMe campaign was organized to assist with funeral and burial expenses, highlighting that Barrett was just 11 days shy of his 18th birthday and a high school senior anticipating graduation. The campaign underscores the profound loss felt by his mother, younger brother, and other family members.
The Greenville Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. They have urged anyone with additional information to contact Pitt-Greenville Crime Stoppers at 252-758-7777.
