On January 21, 2023, at approximately 3:00 a.m., a tragic shooting occurred in the parking lot of the Marketplace Shopping Center on South Glenburnie Road in New Bern, North Carolina. Among the victims was 34-year-old Paul Anthony Edwards Jr. of Vanceboro, who succumbed to his injuries. Another individual, 29-year-old Mishawn Akeem Jackson of New Bern, also lost his life in the incident. A third person, identified as 34-year-old Clonzie Lee Nealy Jr.
of New Bern, sustained injuries and was hospitalized in stable condition.
Investigations revealed that the altercation began after Edwards and Jackson exited the 30 Sumn Ultra Lounge, located within the shopping center. An argument ensued with Nealy, escalating into gunfire. Evidence collected from the scene included 26 rifle-type shell casings and two 9mm shell casings, indicating the use of multiple firearms. Edwards suffered four gunshot wounds from .223 caliber bullets, with a fatal wound to the torso, while Jackson was struck by a single gunshot to the back of the head, suggesting he was fleeing at the time.
Following medical treatment, Nealy was arrested on January 30, 2023, by ECU Health Police and charged with two counts of murder. He was held without bond and awaited transfer to the Craven County Jail after a virtual court appearance. The New Bern Police Department confirmed that there was no ongoing threat to the community and continued to gather information for prosecution.
Paul Edwards Jr. was remembered as an electrician and a member of Queen Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. He is survived by his parents, Pastor Paul Anthony Edwards Sr. and Gracie Hines Edwards, two daughters, and a sister. Funeral services were held on January 28, 2023, at Northwest A Tabernacle in Trenton, North Carolina, followed by burial in Mills Family Cemetery.
