On March 26, 2023 at about 9:16 a.m., deputies found 14-year-old Bernard Williams unresponsive in a ditch along Landfill Road near U.S. Highway 264 Alternate East in Wilson, North Carolina; he was pronounced dead at the scene and investigators determined he had been fatally shot where he was found. Bernard, known to family as Tankman, was a student at Daniels Learning Center and remembered for his friendly nature and sense of humor; his death prompted vigils and memorials in the community.

The next day authorities arrested 19-year-old Rasheem Tytavious Battle at his Briggs Street residence and charged him with first-degree murder. Items related to the crime were seized during a search of Battle’s home. Battle appeared in Wilson County District Court and was held without bond at the detention center. The incident highlighted community concern about youth violence and calls for increased support for at-risk young people.

If anyone knew Bernard or has information about what happened that morning, please share what you remember with the investigators working this case.