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
Who was Jesse Strang? Tumbler Ridge Secondary School Shooting Suspect Identified as Transgender Student
Authorities are continuing to investigate the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, that left at least 10 people dead, including multiple victims at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and two individuals at a separate residence connected to the case.
While the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have not formally released the suspect’s identity, the alleged shooter has been identified by a close family member as 17-year-old Jesse Strang, a student at the school.
The outlet stated it spoke with Russell G. Strang, identified as the suspect’s uncle, who claimed that Jesse was responsible for the attack and described the teen as transgender.
Law enforcement has not publicly confirmed these details, and investigators have urged the public to rely on verified information as the case remains active.
According to RCMP, gunfire was first reported at approximately 1:20 p.m. at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
Responding officers discovered six victims deceased inside the building, while a seventh victim later died while being transported to a hospital.
Two additional victims were airlifted to regional medical facilities with serious or life-threatening injuries, and roughly 25 others were evaluated for injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.
During the investigation, officers identified what they described as a “secondary location believed to be connected to the incident.” At that residence, police located two additional victims who were pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspected gunman is also deceased, reportedly from what investigators believe to be a self-inflicted injury.
“Officers are conducting further searches of additional homes and properties to determine whether anyone else may be injured or otherwise linked to today’s events,” the RCMP said in a statement.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed profound sorrow following the tragedy.
“I am devastated by this shooting. I join Canadians in grieving with those whose lives have been changed irreversibly today, and in gratitude for the courage and selflessness of the first responders who risked their lives to protect their fellow citizens,” Carney said.
Tumbler Ridge, a remote community of approximately 2,400 residents in the Northern Rockies region of northeastern British Columbia, is now grappling with the aftermath of one of the deadliest acts of violence in its history.
Crisis support resources and emergency personnel have been mobilized to assist victims, families, and residents affected by the tragedy.
In the wake of the shooting, strong opinions and commentary have circulated online regarding the suspect’s identity, gender, and possible motives.
Authorities have not established a motive, nor have they confirmed personal details about the suspect. Officials caution against spreading speculation or attributing the attack to any ideology or group without verified evidence.
The investigation remains active as law enforcement works to confirm the suspect’s identity, reconstruct the timeline of events, and determine what factors led to the violence.
Additional updates are expected as authorities continue to gather and verify information.
Officials are urging anyone with relevant information to contact law enforcement and encouraging the public to respect the privacy of the victims’ families during this time of profound loss.