On the night of June 18, 2024, at approximately 11:15 p.m., Winston-Salem police responded to a reported shooting at a residence on Edgeware Road. Upon arrival, officers discovered two individuals with gunshot wounds: 61-year-old Rex Dion Payne and 62-year-old Travis Anthony Leslie. Payne was pronounced dead at the scene, while Leslie was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Tragically, Leslie succumbed to his injuries on June 20, 2024, elevating the case to a double homicide investigation. Both men were residents of the home where the shooting occurred. The relationship between Payne and Leslie, as well as the circumstances leading to the shooting, remain under investigation.
In the months following the incident, law enforcement agencies have been actively pursuing leads to identify and apprehend those responsible. Recently, a suspect was arrested and charged with accessory after murder in connection with the deaths of Payne and Leslie. This development marks a significant step forward in the ongoing investigation, though authorities have not disclosed further details about the suspect's identity or potential motives.
The deaths of Payne and Leslie are part of a concerning increase in violent crime in Winston-Salem during that period. In response, local law enforcement agencies have announced plans to increase patrols and implement measures aimed at curbing such incidents. Community members are urged to remain vigilant and to report any information that could assist in solving these crimes.
As the investigation continues, authorities encourage anyone with information related to the case to contact the Winston-Salem Police Department or Crime Stoppers. The community's cooperation is deemed essential in bringing those responsible to justice and in preventing further acts of violence in the area.
