On the night of October 5, 2024, deputies responded to a shooting at a residence on Latham Road in Bethel, North Carolina, and found 25-year-old Elijah Rashawn Everette dead of gunshot wounds. Another resident, 47-year-old Thomas Everette Jr., was targeted but not injured. A 66-year-old man, Melvin Lee Vines of Durham, was at the scene and taken into custody; he was charged with murder and attempted first-degree murder and was held without bond.

Investigators later identified a third person present during the incident, 45-year-old Leketa Alexander of Princeville, and additional charges were filed against Vines on October 22, 2024, including attempted murder, shooting into an occupied dwelling, assault by pointing a gun, and communicating threats. Motive and the precise relationships between Vines and the victims have not been disclosed. Elijah Everette, known as Ocho, was born August 15, 1999, and owned Mask Off Kennels; a public viewing and Celebration of Life were held October 12, 2024, with interment at Eastlawn Memorial Cemetery.

Anyone who knew Elijah or has information about the shooting is asked to contact the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office.