Trakus Omar Pratt, 30, was shot and killed during a targeted home invasion at his residence on Raindrops Road in Gastonia, North Carolina, on June 12, 2021. He was taken to Caromont Regional Medical Center but died of his injuries. Investigators concluded the incident was not random and that the intruders intended to rob him.

Early in the investigation three people — Kenya Partlow, 21, Cameron Durham, 18, and a 17-year-old juvenile — were arrested and charged with first-degree murder, but those charges were dropped after seven months when newly discovered evidence emerged. Subsequent investigation produced arrests of two other Gastonia residents, Elijah Ajani Hill, 19, and Jacquez Tyjuan Morrison, 20; both were charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon.

The investigation is ongoing. If anyone has information about the home invasion or the individuals involved, contact the Gastonia Police Department.