Wilson County, N.C. – A small community remains in shock after a devastating incident on Sunday morning where a young girl tragically lost both her parents due to a murder-suicide in Nash County. The events unfolded early in the morning, leaving the area in turmoil and sorrow.
According to local law enforcement agencies, the Wilson Police Department and Wilson County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a home in the Weaver Estates community of Sharpsburg following reports of gunfire at approximately 5 a.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered Devonte Ricks, 30, and Makyah Page, 27, fatally shot.
Further investigation quickly identified 32-year-old DaQuan Jones of Rocky Mount as the shooter. Neighbors in the usually peaceful neighborhood were startled by the early morning disturbance, with one recalling the grim moments when the sound of a gunshot shattered the calm. The neighbor, preferring to remain anonymous, expressed uncertainty about the noise, initially mistaking it for a benign gathering.
The violence reportedly extended from Sharpsburg to a residence nearly 20 miles away in Nash County on Jamie Road, where Jones is said to have taken his six-year-old daughter, Zoey Jones, after the shootings. The young child and her mother, Kiera Massenburg, 27, who was also romantically involved with Jones, were shot during the ordeal.
Tragically, the authorities confirmed the devastating outcome: Massenburg, along with Ricks and Page, did not survive their injuries. Neighbors described the incident as not only a massive personal loss but as a disturbance of their quiet and close-knit community.
Amidst the sorrow, tributes poured in for those lost, particularly Massenburg, who was remembered by family friend Nia Barner for her vibrant spirit and radiant smile. Barner reflected on how Massenburg brought joy and positivity to all who knew her, highlights her unwavering ability to uplift others despite personal challenges.
As the community grieves, efforts are underway to support the bereaved families, focusing on covering funeral costs and providing necessary support during this difficult time. A fundraising initiative has been established to assist in these efforts, aiming to offer some relief to those affected most profoundly by this tragedy.
The ties between Massenburg and Jones, marked by both love and complexity, have left the community pondering the underlying issues that led to such a violent outcome. Local authorities are continuing their investigation, hoping to offer answers and closure to a community shaken by the loss of life in such a harrowing context.
As this small town mourns, the stark reminder of the fragile nature of domestic tranquility has resonated deeply, prompting discussions on addressing and preventing future instances of domestic violence. The impact of this tragic event continues to ripple through Wilson County, etching a permanent mark on the hearts of those within the community.