On January 29, 2023, at approximately 5:18 a.m., 29-year-old Darryl Rice Jr. was fatally shot during a private party at a rented venue on North Liberty Street in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The event escalated into an argument that moved outside, culminating in gunfire. Upon arrival, police found Rice with a gunshot wound; despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two additional victims, a 17-year-old male and a 23-year-old male, sustained critical injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment. The incident marked the eighth homicide in Winston-Salem for the year 2023.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and authorities have not publicly identified any suspects. The Winston-Salem Police Department continues to investigate the case and urges anyone with information to contact them at (336) 773-7700 or Crime Stoppers at (336) 727-2800.
Darryl Rice Jr., born on September 7, 1993, was a beloved father, son, brother, and mentor. He was known for his vibrant personality and was an amateur baseball player for the Winston-Salem Warthogs, where he played centerfield for three seasons. His family and friends remember him as the life of the party, always encouraging those around him to smile.
A candlelight vigil was held in his honor at Oak Summit Park in Winston-Salem, where attendees wore blue and shared memories of his positive impact on their lives. A GoFundMe campaign was also established to support his family during this difficult time.
The community continues to mourn the loss of Darryl Rice Jr. and hopes for justice to be served in this ongoing investigation.
