On April 6, 2023, 33-year-old Horace Lassiter Jr. was fatally shot outside his residence on Lee Street in Lewiston Woodville, North Carolina. According to reports, Lassiter was answering a knock at his door when he was attacked. Upon arrival at approximately 9:44 p.m., Bertie County Sheriff's deputies found Lassiter suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
This tragic incident was part of a series of violent crimes in Bertie County during that period. Just two days earlier, on April 4, 2023, 68-year-old Ricky Gilliam was similarly shot and killed at his home on Governor's Road near Windsor. In both cases, the victims were attacked after responding to knocks at their doors, raising concerns about potential connections between the incidents.
As of October 2024, the Bertie County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, continues to actively investigate these homicides. Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin has appealed to the public for assistance, urging anyone with information to come forward to aid in bringing the perpetrators to justice. Despite the ongoing efforts, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified in connection with Lassiter's death.
The community remains on edge due to the unresolved nature of these cases. Local authorities have emphasized the importance of community involvement in solving these crimes and restoring a sense of safety. Sheriff Ruffin has reassured residents that law enforcement agencies are diligently working to resolve these cases and bring closure to the affected families.
