On July 16, 2025, Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office C Shift deputies arrested Skyler Sann, 29, at The Fuel Warehouse gas station in Kinston.
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Jury convicts Torrence Howard in 2021 murder case
On July 11, 2025, a jury found Torrence Howard guilty of First Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. The charges stemmed from the 2021 murder of Gabrielle Wendt, who was tragically killed in her home.
Arrest of wanted individual following anonymous community tip
On July 16, 2025, officers from the Kinston Police Department’s D-Squad responded to an anonymous tip regarding a wanted individual in the Mitchell Wooten area. Upon arrival, officers located and safely took Eddie Mills into custody without incident. Mills was wanted on 11 active Orders for Arrest.
Traffic stop leads to methamphetamine arrest
On July 16, 2025, at approximately 5:11 p.m., officers with the Kinston Police Department’s D-Squad conducted a traffic stop on McDaniels Street involving 31-year-old Jyair Smith. During the stop, K9 Kio performed an exterior sniff around the vehicle and alerted his handler to the presence of narcotics.
Bryan Hanks named 2025 Lighthouse Award winner
Lenoir/Greene United Way hosted their “Great American Summer” event on Wednesday, July 16 at Kinston Country Club. The event celebrated the nonprofit organizations’ community partners, local donors, and their service to United Way.
Update: Candidate filing for 2025 municipal elections ends July 18 at noon
The filing period for North Carolina's 2025 municipal elections opens Monday, July 7, marking the official start of the campaign season for dozens of local offices across Lenoir and Greene counties. Candidates seeking election to partisan and nonpartisan municipal offices have until noon on Friday, July 18 to file with their respective county boards of elections.
Kinston Parks & Rec Supervisor, local pastor charged with rape and kidnapping
A Kinston man who serves as both a city employee and local pastor is in jail without bond following his arrest on multiple felony charges, including rape, kidnapping, and assault with a firearm.
Update: Kinston Police Department investigating shooting involving juvenile victim
On July 15, 2025, at approximately 9:32 p.m., the Kinston Police Department responded to a report of a 12-year-old male who was shot while at Sam’s Mini Mart (1419 N. Queen Street). The victim was at the store with his mother at the time of the incident.
Obituary: Jane Ketner Capps
Jane Ketner Capps, 76 was ushered into the loving arms of Jesus and back with her beloved John T. at Carteret Health Care in Morehead City, North Carolina on Thursday, June 12, 2025. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 2:00pm at First Presbyterian Church, 1604 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC.
Lenoir County sex offender arrested for registration violations
On Thursday, July 10th, a registered sex offender was arrested in Lenoir County for failing to report a change of address, as required by law.
Man arrested, gun and drugs seized during traffic stop
On July 12, 2025, Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office B-Shift deputies conducted a traffic stop on Hwy 258 North after spotting a vehicle with a handwritten license plate and equipment violations.
Jeffrey Williford to lead Community Council for the Arts following 27-year Belk career
After nearly three decades of Belk, Jeffrey Williford is stepping into a new role at the heart of the city’s cultural life. Williford has been named the next Executive Director of the Community Council for the Arts (CCA), succeeding longtime director Sandy Landis, who retired earlier this year after 27 years of service.
Kinston Police Department investigating shooting involving juvenile victim
The Kinston Police Department is actively investigating a shooting that occurred near the intersection of Queen Street and Daniels Street.
Kinston Police officer resigns after DWI arrest
A Kinston police officer has resigned following a DWI arrest stemming from an off-duty incident last month.
Greene Central alum appointed Congressman Don Davis's Regional Director
ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. — Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) is pleased to announce the appointment of Anthony Warren as a regional director for North Carolina's First Congressional District.
Update: Candidate filing for 2025 municipal elections ends July 18
The filing period for North Carolina's 2025 municipal elections opens Monday, July 7, marking the official start of the campaign season for dozens of local offices across Lenoir and Greene counties. Candidates seeking election to partisan and nonpartisan municipal offices have until noon on Friday, July 18 to file with their respective county boards of elections.
Investigation leads to arrest following attempted robbery and shooting
On July 30, 2025, Kinston Police officers responded to a report of a gunshot victim in the 1300 block of McAdoo Street. Upon arrival, officers located Jamell Howard, 37, of Kinston, who had sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. Howard was transported to ECU Health for treatment while detectives initiated an investigation.
Aviation academy soars in third year, exposing local youth to high-paying careers in flight
Middle and high school students from Lenoir and Greene counties are getting a high-flying start on potential aviation careers this summer through the Aviation Career Education (ACE) Academy, held at the North Carolina Global TransPark.
Murphy Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Preserve Seniors’ Access to Critical Drugs
Washington, D.C. — Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., alongside Congressmen Adam Gray (D-CA) and Neal Dunn (R-FL), introduced the Protecting Patient Access to Cancer and Complex Therapies Act, legislation to revert physician reimbursement for administering drugs under Medicare Part B to Average Sales Price (ASP) plus 6 percent, create an additional rebate paid by manufacturers, and hold patients harmless by basing coinsurance rates off the Maximum Fair Price (MFP).
Statement Regarding Video Depicting Use of Force
The Kinston Police Department (KPD) is aware of a video circulating on social media that depicts an incident involving one of our officers and the use of force. We understand that this video has generated significant public interest and concern.