On July 21, 2023, at approximately 12:24 a.m., Winston-Salem police responded to a reported shooting in the 1100 block of East 17th Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered 26-year-old Devontay Demon Atkins suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, Atkins succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Investigations revealed that Atkins had been involved in a physical altercation with a 22-year-old male acquaintance.
During the confrontation, gunfire was exchanged, resulting in Atkins's fatal injuries and non-life-threatening wounds to the 22-year-old, who was subsequently treated and released from a local hospital.
As the investigation progressed, detectives identified 29-year-old Demario Marcell Williams as the individual responsible for shooting Atkins. A warrant for Williams's arrest on charges of murder was issued on July 24, 2023. On August 8, 2023, Williams surrendered himself at the Forsyth County Detention Center, where he was taken into custody without bond. His initial court appearance was scheduled for August 9, 2023.
This incident marked the 33rd homicide in Winston-Salem for the year 2023, reflecting a significant increase from the 21 homicides reported during the same period in 2022. The case remains under active investigation by the Winston-Salem Police Department. Authorities have urged anyone with additional information to contact the department or Crime Stoppers.
