On February 25, 2024, at approximately 2:05 a.m., Greensboro Police Department officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 100 block of North Greene Street in downtown Greensboro, North Carolina. Upon arrival, they discovered two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to a local hospital, where 24-year-old Devonte Jamaal Stephenson was pronounced dead. The second victim remained in critical condition.
Investigations revealed that a physical altercation had occurred outside Club One17, leading to the shooting. The Greensboro Police Department's Violent Criminal Apprehension Team, in collaboration with the FBI Fugitive Task Force, identified 27-year-old Michal Michael Tyrone Styles as the primary suspect. On May 31, 2024, Styles was apprehended in Phoenix, Arizona, on charges of first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury. He was held in Phoenix pending extradition to North Carolina.
In the aftermath of the incident, Club One17 faced scrutiny from local authorities. The establishment was temporarily closed due to fire and safety violations discovered during the investigation. This closure was part of broader efforts to address safety concerns in downtown Greensboro nightlife venues.
Devonte "D.J." Jamaal Stephenson, born on September 21, 1999, in High Point, North Carolina, was remembered by family and friends for his kind and loving spirit. He is survived by his parents, two sisters, grandparents, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Funeral services were held to honor his memory, with many expressing deep sorrow over the loss of a young life with much potential.
As the legal proceedings against Michal Styles continue, the Greensboro community remains vigilant in seeking justice for Devonte Stephenson. Authorities have encouraged anyone with additional information related to the case to contact Greensboro/Guilford Crime Stoppers at 336-373-1000, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in resolving such tragic incidents.
