On October 18, 2023, 27-year-old Jaliek Pridgen was found deceased in Kinston, North Carolina, following a suspected home invasion. Officers from the Kinston Police Department, assisting the NC Division of Adult Corrections, discovered evidence of a shooting at Pridgen's residence on Dupree Street. Upon further investigation, they located Pridgen's body across the street from his home; he had sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
The investigation led to the arrest of three individuals believed to be involved in Pridgen's death. On October 19, 2023, authorities apprehended 22-year-old Donteon Foye and 26-year-old Tyreke Moore, both from Kinston, along with 23-year-old Rahmel Gray of Pink Hill. The suspects face charges including conspiracy to commit first-degree burglary and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. Foye has also been charged with first-degree murder in connection with Pridgen's death.
During his arrest, Gray attempted to escape custody by manipulating his handcuffs but was quickly recaptured by law enforcement officers. Investigators have determined that the suspects collaborated in planning home invasion-style robberies throughout Kinston and Lenoir County. All three individuals are currently held in the Lenoir County Jail under secured bonds, and authorities anticipate additional arrests and charges as the investigation continues.
The Kinston Police Department remains committed to ensuring that those responsible for Pridgen's death are brought to justice. They have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the department's Tips Line or Lenoir County Crime Stoppers, emphasizing that calls are confidential and anonymous, with potential cash rewards for information leading to an arrest.
A Celebration of Life for Jaliek Pridgen was held on October 30, 2023, at the United American Free Will Baptist Tabernacle, followed by burial at Southview Cemetery. The community continues to mourn his untimely passing as the investigation into his death proceeds.
