Crime
2 Killed After Domestic-Related Shooting in Lenoir County, Suspect Ross Smith Charged with Murder
Lenoir County, N.C. — A second victim has died following a violent domestic-related shooting that occurred in Lenoir County on the morning of May 2, prompting authorities to upgrade charges against the suspect to include an additional count of first-degree murder.
The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Calvin Carlyle Kennion, 24, of Pink Hill, succumbed to his injuries at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville.
As a result, Ross Jovian Smith, 35, of Kinston, will now face two felony counts of first-degree murder, in addition to several other serious charges.
Authorities say the incident unfolded shortly after 8:30 a.m. at a residence on the 100 block of Carl Ball Lane.
Investigators allege that Ross Smith forcibly entered the home and opened fire, fatally shooting his estranged wife, Latoya Marie Smith, 33, and critically injuring Calvin Kennion, who was also inside the residence.
Latoya Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. Kennion was initially airlifted from a landing zone in Jackson Heights to ECU Health Medical Center, where he remained in critical condition before succumbing to his injuries.
A dog inside the residence was also shot during the incident. The animal survived but sustained injuries.
Following the shootings, Smith fled the scene in a black Chrysler sedan.
With assistance from the Kinston Police Department, Lenoir County deputies located the abandoned vehicle on the 1400 block of Stroud Avenue in Kinston.
Smith, however, was not inside.
After a multi-agency search effort, Smith was located on foot and taken into custody without incident near the N.C. 903/N.C. 11 intersection in Pitt County at approximately 11:30 a.m.
According to Lenoir County Sheriff Jackie Rogers, Ross Smith is being charged with the following:
- Two counts of first-degree murder
- One count of attempted first-degree murder (now subject to modification)
- Felony breaking and entering
- Felony animal cruelty
Additional charges may be filed as the investigation progresses. Smith is currently being held without bond at the Lenoir County Detention Center.
He has not yet appeared before a magistrate.
Authorities continue to investigate the motive and circumstances surrounding the incident. More details will be released as they become available.
MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities have confirmed that a suspect is in custody following a shooting incident at the Meridian Mall on Friday afternoon.
As a result, the lockdown at the mall has been lifted.
The Meridian Township Police Department issued a public advisory just before 2:00 p.m., urging residents and shoppers to avoid the area near the Dick’s Sporting Goods entrance while officers conducted an active investigation at the scene.
At this time, police have not released specific details regarding the nature of the shooting, including whether anyone was injured or the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident and are expected to provide additional information as it becomes available.
The public is asked to remain clear of the immediate area to allow for the ongoing investigation.