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.
Crime
Milwaukee Police Investigating Double Shooting That Leaves One Teen Dead, Another Critically Injured
Milwaukee, WI — The Milwaukee Police Department is actively investigating a tragic double shooting that left one teenager dead and another in critical condition on the city’s far northwest side Friday afternoon.
According to authorities, the shooting occurred near 75th Street and Northridge Lakes Boulevard.
Officers responded to the scene shortly after receiving reports of gunfire and discovered two juvenile victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
A 14-year-old male was found with life-threatening injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
A 16-year-old male was also critically wounded and remains hospitalized as of the latest reports.
In a separate but potentially related incident, a 17-year-old female was located near 35th Street and Concordia Avenue with a gunshot wound to the shoulder.
She was transported for medical treatment and is expected to survive.
The identities of the victims have not been publicly released at this time.
Milwaukee Police have not confirmed whether the incidents are connected but have stated that both remain under active investigation.
No suspects are currently in custody, and investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shootings.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Witnesses or individuals with knowledge of the incidents are asked to contact the Milwaukee Police Department at (414) 935-7360, or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-TIPS or the P3 Tips app.