On the evening of August 25, 2024, 22-year-old Anzaryia "Poodie" Cobb was fatally shot near Building 8 of the Mitchell Wooten Apartments in Kinston, North Carolina. Emergency responders arrived promptly, and while she was being airlifted to ECU Health Medical Center, Cobb succumbed to her injuries. Known for her prowess on the basketball court, Cobb was a standout player at Kinston High School from 2016 to 2019. She had recently become a mother, giving birth to a daughter on June 23, 2024.
In the days following the incident, the Kinston Police Department intensified their investigation, leading to the arrests of two local men. On August 27, 2024, the department's SWAT team apprehended 30-year-old Thomas Mason at St. John's Village Apartments without incident. Later that evening, 24-year-old Davon Williams was arrested at his residence on South Herritage Street. Neither individual resided at the Mitchell Wooten Apartments where the shooting occurred.
Davon Williams was charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, and discharging a firearm within city limits. Thomas Mason faced charges including five counts of accessory after the fact, five counts of felony conspiracy, and a probation violation. Both men were detained at the Lenoir County Jail. The swift apprehension of the suspects was attributed to the collaborative efforts of the Kinston Police Department, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Adult Corrections, and crucial information provided by community members.
Cobb's untimely death has left a profound void in the Kinston community. Her family and friends remember her as a loving mother and a dedicated athlete whose life was tragically cut short. The community continues to mourn her loss while seeking justice for the promising young woman whose life ended too soon.
