On September 10, 2024, at approximately 1:02 p.m., officers from the New Bern Police Department responded to a report of a gunshot victim in the 1300 block of Harrison Street. Upon arrival, they discovered 14-year-old Dior Andre Simmons suffering from a gunshot wound. He was initially transported to CarolinaEast Medical Center and subsequently transferred to ECU Health Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries overnight.
The investigation identified two 14-year-old male residents of New Bern as responsible for Simmons' death. One suspect was apprehended on the evening of September 10, and the second was located the following morning. Both juveniles were charged with second-degree murder and transported to the Pitt County Juvenile Detention Center. Due to their ages, their identities have not been disclosed.
In response to the incident, the nearby Duffyfield Child Development Center was placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure; it has since resumed normal operations. The New Bern Police Department emphasized the dangers associated with juveniles possessing firearms and reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating with the community to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
A funeral service for Dior Andre Simmons was held on September 20, 2024, at Latitude Church on Race Track Road in New Bern. He is survived by his parents, Quayana Glenn and Corey Simmons, and five brothers: Jaiile'el Simmons, Qu'ron Simmons, Jayvion Davis, Davon Small, and Daquavius Small.
