On January 28, 2024, at about 12:42 p.m., deputies responded to reports of gunfire at a home on Rory Drive in Maury, North Carolina, and found 17-year-old William Anthony Devon Williams Jr. suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation by the Greene County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina SBI led to the arrest of 20-year-old Ja’wan Ja’von Dodd of Snow Hill on January 30, 2024; Dodd was charged with an open count of murder and held without bond. On February 8, 2024, 18-year-old Shayquan Williams of Hookerton was also arrested and held without bond. Authorities indicated robbery was the suspected motive.

Anthony Williams Jr., born February 27, 2006, lived in Walstonburg and was a student at Greene Central High School. Family and community members remembered his kind heart and creativity, noting he made bead bracelets. A celebration of his life was held February 10, 2024, at Moye’s Chapel Free Will Baptist Church in Farmville, with burial at St. Delight Cemetery in Walstonburg. A candlelight vigil and balloon release followed as the community called for an end to youth violence.

If anyone knew Anthony or has information about the shooting, please share what might help the investigation.