Robert Starr Pennix Jr., 62, was shot on March 2, 2023, at about 10:00 p.m. in the 3700 block of Peterson Avenue in Greensboro, North Carolina. He was taken to a local hospital and died of his injuries the next day. A floating memorial service was held on March 17, 2023, at Hargett Funeral Service in Greensboro.

Following an investigation, authorities identified 67-year-old Virgil Benjamin as a suspect. On October 12, 2024, Benjamin was taken into custody in Whiteville, North Carolina, on an outstanding warrant for first-degree murder and was booked into the Guilford County Jail without bond. Officials have not disclosed a motive and the investigation remains ongoing.

The community and Pennix’s family have continued to mourn and local groups have called for greater awareness and prevention of gun violence. If anyone has information, contact the Greensboro Police Department at 336-373-2496 or Crime Stoppers at 336-373-1000.