On May 26, 2024, 17-year-old Dzyer "Zy" Gooding of Kinston, North Carolina, tragically lost her life during a Memorial Day celebration at Bill Fay Park. Around 9:20 p.m., Kinston Police Department officers responded to reports of gunfire at the park, where approximately 200 individuals had gathered. Upon arrival, officers found Gooding deceased from an apparent gunshot wound. Investigations revealed that an unknown number of assailants had exchanged gunfire during the event, resulting in Gooding being fatally struck.
In the aftermath of this tragic incident, the Kinston Police Department launched an intensive investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for Gooding's death. Despite interviewing numerous attendees, many claimed they did not witness the shooting, hindering the progress of the case. To encourage community assistance, an anonymous donor contributed a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the individuals involved. Authorities have urged anyone with pertinent information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in preventing the case from going cold.
As of December 2024, no arrests have been made in connection with Gooding's death. The Kinston Police Department continues to seek assistance from the public, appealing to the community's sense of justice to help bring closure to Gooding's family and friends. The case remains open, with investigators diligently pursuing leads to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
