Keenan Damond Smith, a 25-year-old from Winterville, North Carolina, was shot on July 20, 2022, at about 7:14 p.m. at Le Le Convenient Mart in Ayden. Officers who responded found two men shot; Smith was taken to ECU Health Medical Center and died of his injuries. The other victim, 26-year-old Walter Kyle Irving Cooley, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities identified and arrested 23-year-old Akyree Ronnell Collins-Smith of Greenville; he was taken into custody in Durham with help from multiple law enforcement agencies. The motive for the shooting has not been released, and officials have not detailed the charges or any connections between the suspect and the victims. A candlelight vigil was held at the store in memory of Smith and Cooley.

If anyone has information about what happened at the convenience store that night, please share tips with the Ayden Police Department.