On April 29, 2023, at approximately 6 a.m., Bertie County Sheriff's deputies responded to a reported shooting on Freeman Street in Powellsville, North Carolina. Upon arrival, they discovered 32-year-old Corey Donta' Mitchell, who had sustained a gunshot wound. Despite immediate medical assistance, Mitchell succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Present at the location was 29-year-old Ayanna Shami Wilson, who admitted to shooting Mitchell.
According to Wilson, an altercation had occurred during a card game at the residence. She stated that as she attempted to leave, Mitchell approached her aggressively and allegedly assaulted her, prompting her to shoot him in response. Based on her admission and the preliminary investigation, Wilson was arrested and charged with voluntary manslaughter. She was subsequently detained at the Bertie/Martin Regional Jail.
The incident marked the fifth homicide in Bertie County for the year 2023, prompting Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin to acknowledge the diligent efforts of his deputies and investigators. He also expressed gratitude to the District Attorney's office, the Bertie County Communications Center, and Bertie County EMS for their assistance. Sheriff Ruffin urged the community to continue praying for the county and the nation amidst the rising number of violent incidents.
Corey Donta' Mitchell, born on March 18, 1991, in Hertford County, was employed at Perdue in the GilPack Department. He is survived by his parents, Johnny Mitchell III and Dottie Watford, as well as his son, Ji'Kevyon Mitchell. Funeral services were held on May 13, 2023, at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Colerain, North Carolina.
