On the evening of November 8, 2023, in Knightdale, North Carolina, 40-year-old mother of three Shinaka Ocean Earth was fatally shot while sitting on her front porch. Around 7:30 p.m. police responded to reports of gunfire in the 600 block of Twain Town Drive; officers found Earth’s residence riddled with bullets and discovered her with gunshot wounds. Life-saving efforts were made on scene but she was pronounced dead there.

Knightdale police investigated the case for months. On March 20, 2024, they arrested a 17-year-old male and charged him with one open count of murder; his identity has not been disclosed because he is a juvenile. He is being held in a juvenile detention facility under a secured custody order. Investigators say the probe remains active as detectives continue to pursue leads and identify additional suspects.

If anyone has information that could help bring closure to Earth’s family, please contact the Knightdale Police Department.