On July 22, 2024, at approximately 1:07 a.m., Greensboro police responded to reports of a shooting near the intersection of East Market Street and Laurel Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered a vehicle in the roadway with two male occupants suffering from gunshot wounds. Both individuals were transported to a local hospital, where 31-year-old Rachaud Montray Polite succumbed to his injuries. The second victim, a 39-year-old man, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was reported to be in stable condition.
The incident led to the temporary closure of East Market Street between Benbow Street and Dudley Street as detectives conducted their investigation. Authorities have not yet established a motive for the shooting, and no suspect information has been released. The Greensboro Police Department continues to investigate the city's 21st homicide of the year, urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at (336) 373-1000.
In 2018, Polite was involved in a separate incident where he was arrested in connection with a double shooting at Pepperstone Apartments in Greensboro. At that time, he was charged with robbery, three counts of kidnapping, and conspiracy after allegedly forcing entry into a residence at gunpoint with several other men and stealing property. During the incident, Polite sustained a gunshot wound and was hospitalized before being taken into custody.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with Polite's death. The investigation remains active, and police are seeking any leads that could assist in identifying the person or persons responsible for this crime. Community members are encouraged to provide any information that may aid in solving this case.
