Shamari Parker, a 20-year-old Black male and leukemia survivor, was shot and killed on January 7, 2025, in Washington, North Carolina. Parker, a final-semester construction management student at East Carolina University who worked long shifts as a Walmart stocker, was found inside his vehicle at an intersection in Beaufort County after reports of a collision. He was pronounced dead at the scene from a gunshot wound.

Authorities say two juveniles were inside the vehicle with Parker during an apparent attempted robbery; at some point the suspects allegedly shot him and then fled, and the vehicle struck a pole. Investigators report the firearm used did not belong to Parker. A 17-year-old, Zaydrian Starkie, was arrested January 8, 2025, and charged with murder and armed robbery and is being held in a juvenile detention facility. A 16-year-old, Quamir Razor, is still being sought by police.

Parker’s mother, Cortyne Woolard, described him as hardworking and resilient; she also said he had asked for and received a gun the previous Christmas, which investigators think may have motivated the robbery. A GoFundMe has been started to assist with funeral expenses. If anyone has information that could help the Washington Police Department, please come forward.