On the evening of February 15, 2024, at approximately 8:01 p.m., Winston-Salem police officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 100 block of Goldfloss Street. Upon arrival, they discovered 19-year-old Shannon Howard James Pitts suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite officers' attempts at life-saving measures, Pitts was pronounced dead at the scene.
Another individual, an 18-year-old male, was also found with gunshot injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment; he was expected to recover.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with authorities yet to determine a motive or identify any suspects. Police have urged anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward to assist in their inquiries.
Shannon Pitts had previously been involved in a notable incident on March 30, 2023, at Forsyth Technical Community College. During a field trip as a student of Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy, Pitts brought an untraceable firearm, commonly referred to as a "ghost gun," onto the campus. The weapon discharged in a restroom, resulting in a non-life-threatening injury to his hand. This event led to a lockdown of the college and subsequent legal charges against Pitts, including possession of a weapon on educational property and carrying a concealed gun.
In the wake of his death, Pitts' mother, Jacqueline Harrell, expressed profound grief and highlighted her son's aspirations and positive qualities. She emphasized that, despite his previous mistakes, Shannon was a smart, loving individual who had plans to attend college and a deep care for his family. A GoFundMe campaign was established to assist with funeral expenses, reflecting the community's support during this difficult time.
The tragic death of Shannon Pitts has underscored concerns about youth violence and the challenges faced by young individuals in the community. As the investigation continues, authorities and family members hope for justice and a deeper understanding of the circumstances leading to this loss.
