On May 18, 2023, 21-year-old Deonta J’von McArn was fatally shot during a robbery at his apartment on Quincy Drive in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Police found McArn with multiple gunshot wounds shortly before midnight; he was pronounced dead on-site. Three others were present; one sustained minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital. Investigators say three suspects entered the apartment intending to commit robbery and that the unit was specifically targeted rather than randomly chosen.

Authorities arrested three men in the weeks after the killing. On May 23, 19-year-old Armin Deshawn Hardy of Winston-Salem was charged with murder, two counts of armed robbery, and first-degree burglary. On June 1, 18-year-old Anthony Lee Coverdale of Kernersville faced the same charges. The third, 19-year-old Jemon Gregory Smith, surrendered June 2 and was later charged with murder, first-degree burglary, and two counts of armed robbery on June 7. All three were held without bond.

Deonta McArn’s death was the 24th homicide in Winston-Salem for 2023 to that point, up from 19 during the same period in 2022. If anyone knew Deonta or has information about the robbery, please come forward.