In the early hours of June 30, 2024, at approximately 3:11 a.m., the Edgecombe County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of a shooting on Branchwood Lane near Tarboro, North Carolina. Upon arrival, deputies discovered two individuals deceased from gunshot wounds: 29-year-old Odis Ray Draughn III and 28-year-old Tellton Jaymel Jones. A third individual was found injured and transported to ECU Health for medical treatment.
The following day, on July 1, 2024, detectives arrested 34-year-old Arrington Rontrell Everette of Princeville, charging him with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Draughn and Jones. Everette was taken into custody without incident and is being held without bond at the Edgecombe County Detention Center.
The investigation into the circumstances leading up to the shooting is ongoing. Authorities have not publicly disclosed a motive or detailed the relationship between Everette and the victims. The Edgecombe County Sheriff's Office continues to pursue leads and build cases against those involved in the incident. They have urged anyone with additional information to contact them at 252-641-7911, with the option to remain anonymous.
Odis Ray Draughn III, born on May 31, 1995, in Tarboro, was a 2013 graduate of Tarboro High School, where he played as #34 on the Vikings Football Team. He later attended Pitt Community College and was employed at Lambert's Cable Splicing in Rocky Mount as an operator on the Directional Drill Crew. Known for his humility and vibrant personality, Draughn enjoyed grilling and spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his children, parents, siblings, and extended family. A celebration of his life was held on July 13, 2024, at Leggett Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Tarboro.
The tragic deaths of Draughn and Jones have deeply affected the Tarboro community, prompting discussions on violence and community safety. As legal proceedings against Everette advance, the families and friends of the victims seek justice and closure for their untimely loss.
