On the morning of May 2, 2025, 33-year-old LaToya Marie Smith was killed in a shooting at a residence on Carl Ball Lane in the Moss Hill community of Lenoir County, North Carolina. Deputies found her deceased from gunshot wounds around 8:30 a.m.; a 24-year-old man, Calvin Kennion, was also found critically injured and later died. A dog at the scene had been shot.

Authorities identified Ross Smith as the suspect; he was located and taken into custody in Pitt County later that day and faces multiple charges including two counts of First Degree Murder, Felony Breaking and Entering, and Felony Animal Cruelty. Investigators say the suspect unlawfully entered the residence with intent to commit a felony, resulting in the deaths and the injured animal.

LaToya Marie Smith was born June 24, 1991, in Craven County. She is survived by her mother Rose Lawhorn; father Darnell Watson; three children, Janiya, Ross Jr. and Raziyah Smith; and a stepdaughter, Janquia Smith. A celebration of her life was held May 19, 2025, in Kinston.

Did anyone in Moss Hill see or hear anything the morning of May 2 that could help the investigation?