In the early hours of April 20, 2024, Elizabeth City, North Carolina, was the scene of a tragic incident resulting in the death of 39-year-old resident Cory Christopher Revelle. Around 2:00 a.m., an Elizabeth City police officer on foot patrol near the 200 block of North Poindexter Street heard multiple gunshots. Upon arrival, the officer encountered 33-year-old Bryan Christopher White of Belvidere, North Carolina, armed at the scene.
Despite the officer's commands to drop his weapon, White did not comply, prompting the officer to discharge his firearm, striking White.
Both Revelle and White sustained critical injuries and were transported to Sentara Albemarle Medical Center, where they were later pronounced dead. Investigations revealed that White had allegedly shot Revelle multiple times before the officer's intervention. Additionally, a 17-year-old male from Perquimans County was injured during the incident; he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and subsequently released from the hospital.
The Elizabeth City Police Department is conducting an investigation into Revelle's homicide, while the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is reviewing the officer-involved shooting of White. District Attorney Jeff Cruden later stated that the officer's use of deadly force was justified under North Carolina law, as it was reasonably necessary to defend against the imminent use of deadly physical force. Consequently, the officer was recommended to return to duty without delay.
This incident marked the first officer-involved shooting in Elizabeth City in at least 19 years, as noted by Police Chief Phillip Webster. The event has had a profound impact on the community and the police department, prompting the involvement of the North Carolina Law Enforcement Assistance Program to provide support and debriefings for the officers involved.
As the investigations continue, authorities urge anyone with additional information regarding the incident to contact the Elizabeth City Police Department or the Crime Line. The community remains in mourning over the loss of Cory Revelle, with public viewings and memorial services held to honor his memory.
