On May 18, 2023, 21-year-old Deonta J'von McArn was fatally shot during a robbery at his apartment on Quincy Drive in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The apartment complex, known as Deacon's Station, primarily houses university students, though McArn was not believed to be enrolled at any local institutions. Police responded to the scene shortly before midnight, discovering McArn with multiple gunshot wounds; he was pronounced dead on-site.
Three other individuals were present during the incident, one of whom sustained minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital.
Investigations revealed that three suspects had entered McArn's apartment with the intent to commit robbery, leading to the fatal shooting. Authorities identified and apprehended the suspects in the subsequent weeks. On May 23, 2023, 19-year-old Armin Deshawn Hardy of Winston-Salem was arrested and charged with murder, two counts of armed robbery, and first-degree burglary. Shortly thereafter, on June 1, 18-year-old Anthony Lee Coverdale of Kernersville was also arrested, facing identical charges. Both individuals were detained without bond at the Forsyth County Detention Center.
The third suspect, 19-year-old Jemon Gregory Smith, surrendered to authorities on June 2, initially facing a charge of armed robbery. By June 7, additional charges of murder, first-degree burglary, and a second count of armed robbery were filed against him. Smith, like his co-defendants, was held without bond. The arrests brought some measure of resolution to the case, though the investigation remained active. Authorities emphasized that McArn's apartment was specifically targeted, indicating the act was not random.
The tragic death of Deonta McArn marked the 24th homicide in Winston-Salem for the year 2023, reflecting a concerning increase compared to 19 homicides during the same period in 2022. The incident prompted heightened awareness and concern among residents, particularly in communities housing university students. Neighbors expressed shock and a renewed focus on personal safety in the aftermath of the event.
