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.

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Kinston Police Investigating Fatal Shooting at Carver Courts

On April 27, 2026, at approximately 12:57 a.m., the Kinston Police Department responded to a report of a gunshot wound at 12 building of Carver Courts.

Officers arrived on scene and located 36-year-old Charles Wade Jr. of Kinston suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers immediately began life-saving efforts; however, Mr. Wade succumbed to his injuries.

This investigation remains active, and detectives are continuing to follow up on information; therefore, no further details will be released at this time.

Anyone with information related to this case, please contact the Kinston Police Department Tips Line at 252-939-4020, Kinston–Lenoir County Crime Stoppers at 252-523-4444, or submit a tip through the KPD iWITNESS portal on our website.