*UPDATE* Homicide Investigation and Arrest
*UPDATE* Homicide Investigation and Arrest
On October 28, 2025, at approximately 10:43 a.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department responded to 405 Manning Street in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located 31-year-old Ryechic Harper, who was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, Harper succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Witnesses advised officers that 21-year-old Quandarius Rawl was responsible for the shooting. Rawl fled the area prior to law enforcement’s arrival and discarded the firearm in a wooded area near the 600 block of Pollock Street.
Approximately 45 minutes after the incident, Rawl contacted 911 and voluntarily surrendered to law enforcement. Detectives subsequently recovered the firearm, which was determined to have been reported stolen out of Rocky Mount, North Carolina.
Following an extensive investigation, Rawl was charged with the following offenses:
First Degree Murder
Possession of a Stolen Firearm
The Kinston Police Department would like to thank the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office, Lenoir County Emergency Management, and the Kinston Department of Fire and Rescue for their assistance and coordinated response at the scene. In addition, we extend our appreciation to the Lenoir County District Attorney’s Office for their continued support of KPD detectives throughout this investigation.
This case remains under active investigation, and additional charges or arrests may follow.
Statement from Chief Goyette:
“This was a senseless act of violence that claimed the life of a young man and deeply impacted our community. I am proud of the swift response and diligent work of our officers and detectives, as well as the cooperation from our community and partner agencies. We will continue to pursue justice for Mr. Harper and his loved ones.”
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Kinston Police Department’s Tips Line at 252-939-4020, Lenoir County Crime Stoppers at 252-523-4444, or through the KPD iWITNESS portal available on our website. Calls to Crime Stoppers are confidential and anonymous, and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward for information leading to an arrest.
*UPDATE*
At this time we can confirm that one individual is deceased. A person of interest has turned himself in and detectives are continuing to actively investigate this incident.
The shooting took place at College Street and Manning Street.
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KPD is currently on the scene of a reported shooting. Additional details will be released once they become available.
At this time, there is no known threat to the community.
We appreciate everyone’s patience as our officers continue their investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Kinston Police Department’s Tips Line at 252-939-4020, Lenoir County Crime Stoppers at 252-523-4444, or submit a tip through the KPD iWITNESS portal available on our website.
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