On the evening of August 22, 2024, 18-year-old Zahquan Thyzee Stewart was fatally shot while riding an all-terrain vehicle with two younger teenagers along Deluca Street in Laurinburg, North Carolina. As the ATV passed two individuals, suspects opened fire; Stewart was struck and the vehicle crashed into a tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A 13-year-old passenger suffered a gunshot wound and was taken to a hospital in critical condition. The 14-year-old passenger was also critically injured, though reports do not make clear whether those injuries came from gunfire or the crash.

In the days after the shooting, Laurinburg Police arrested a 16-year-old male and charged him with murder in connection with Stewart’s death; his name has not been released because of his age. The investigation remains active and authorities are seeking information to identify any other individuals who may have been involved. Stewart’s death has deeply affected the Laurinburg community and a funeral service was held on September 6, 2024, at The Kenneth M. Purcell Memorial Chapel.

If anyone has information about what happened on Deluca Street that evening or knows more about who was involved, please contact Laurinburg Police.