A 3-year-old child, Allura Pledger, was among three people fatally shot in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, on December 2, 2021. The shooting took place around 5 p.m. near the intersection of Jordan Street and Perry Street in the city’s Third Ward. Allura died alongside her mother, 39-year-old Takeyia De'Shay Berry, and 18-year-old Jaquan White; three other people, ages 40, 29, and 20, were wounded.

Police described the incident as isolated and did not release a motive. Berry, who was not familiar with Elizabeth City, had agreed to give a ride to one of the injured parties, and her family believes that decision placed her and Allura in danger. Arrest warrants were issued for 34-year-old Ricky Lewis Etheridge Jr., who faced three counts of murder and was considered armed and dangerous, and another person, Terrence Seymore, was also charged with three counts of murder.

Families publicly mourned and called for justice, and local groups such as the Pasquotank NAACP and Mothers Against Gun Violence rallied in support and urged an end to gun violence. If anyone has information about the shooting or knew Allura, her family would welcome hearing from you.