On February 24, 2024, at about 6:00 p.m., officers responded to reports of gunfire near East 8th Street and Charlotte Street in Washington, North Carolina. They found 52-year-old Eric Lavon Whitney Sr. critically injured from apparent gunshot wounds; a bystander was administering life-saving measures. Whitney was transported to ECU Health Beaufort Hospital and later pronounced dead from his injuries.

Investigators identified two suspects: 29-year-old Demetrius Antonio Ward and 26-year-old Darrien Demonday Ore. Ward was arrested and charged with murder and is held without bond. Ore remains at large, and a warrant for his arrest on murder charges has been issued; law enforcement is seeking information on his whereabouts. Whitney’s family organized a GoFundMe for funeral costs, and a visitation and Celebration of Life were held March 9 and March 10, 2024, with interment at Broad Creek Cemetery in Pantego.

If anyone has information about Darrien Demonday Ore or the events on February 24, please contact the Washington Police Department at 252-946-1444 or Beaufort County Crime Stoppers at 252-974-6400.