Kinston Man Arrested in Connection with Tower Hill Home Invasion, Robbery and Shooting
On August 18, 2026, at approximately 1:00 a.m., Horace Smith, 30, of Kinston, was arrested in Snow Hill in connection with a home invasion, robbery, and shooting that occurred in the Tower Hill area on July 12, 2026.
On August 17, C Shift Deputies with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office received a notification from a Flock camera indicating that Smith was traveling into Greene County. Deputies immediately notified law enforcement in Greene County of the vehicle description and direction of travel.
The Snow Hill Police Department located the vehicle unoccupied. Lenoir County detectives continued investigating and developed information regarding an apartment where Smith was believed to be hiding.
Lenoir County deputies and officers with the Snow Hill Police Department approached the residence and knocked and announced their presence. Smith initially did not come to the door. The Greene County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist deputies and officers as they developed a plan to enter the residence after receiving consent.
Before entry was made, Smith exited the residence peacefully and was taken into custody without incident.
Smith was transported to the Lenoir County Jail and received a secured bond. He was charged with:
Accessory Before the Fact – Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon
This arrest is related to the July 12 home invasion, robbery, and shooting in the Tower Hill area.
On July 24, 2026, Cray Jones, 34, of Grifton, was arrested by the Kinston Police Department in connection with this case as well as a separate home invasion that occurred within Kinston city limits.
For his involvement in the Lenoir County home invasion, Jones was charged with:
Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury
First Degree Kidnapping
First Degree Burglary
Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon
Felony Conspiracy
The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Snow Hill Police Department and Greene County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in locating and safely taking Smith into custody.
