Arrest made in homicide investigation

Since April 27, 2026, KPD detectives have conducted an extensive investigation that included reviewing surveillance footage, executing forensic search warrants, and interviewing multiple witnesses. Through this work, investigators identified 18-year-old Carmello Tavion Banks of Greenville, North Carolina, as the suspect in the murder of Charles Wade Jr.

With assistance from the Greenville Police Department and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Banks was located and taken into custody this morning in Greenville. He has been charged with First-Degree Murder.

Additionally, Latoya Banks has been arrested and charged with Accessory After the Fact to Murder. Latoya Banks is the mother of Carmello Banks.

This arrest is the result of thorough investigative efforts and strong collaboration between local and state law enforcement agencies. The Kinston Police Department appreciates the assistance provided by the Greenville Police Department and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.

At the time of this release, booking photos have not yet been taken.

This investigation remains ongoing.