Enrique Reyes

Enrique Reyes, a 64-year-old Hispanic man, was a retired biology professor from East Carolina University known for his brilliant mind, deadpan humor, and caring nature. For 17 years until his retirement in 2022, he was a dedicated teacher and mentor who supported his students and made colleagues feel like family. He often took them to new restaurants and hosted sushi-eating competitions, creating a sense of community within his department.

On the afternoon of January 10, 2025, Mr. Reyes was shot and killed in the driveway of his home on Forest Acres Drive in Greenville, North Carolina. Earlier, at 1:20 p.m., he was seen on surveillance footage making a purchase at a local Food Lion before returning home. Around 3:35 p.m., a passerby discovered him lying in his driveway and called for help, but he was already deceased. An autopsy would later reveal that he had been shot 12 times.

Investigators believe Mr. Reyes was the first victim in a violent crime spree carried out by his neighbor, 55-year-old David Lever. According to a timeline provided by the sheriff, Lever left his residence shortly after Mr. Reyes returned home, drove to a gas station, and fired shots from his van as he departed. He then traveled to Peace Ridge Court, where he entered the home of Anthony Gribble, 80, and his wife, Paula Gribble, 76. Lever, who had been the couple’s real estate agent years earlier, shot and killed them both inside their residence.

The rampage ended when the Gribbles’ son, who lived next door, received a call from his mother and went to his parents' home. He confronted Lever and held him at gunpoint until deputies arrived. Authorities, who believe the son’s intervention prevented more killings, took Lever into custody. A search of Lever’s home and van uncovered an arsenal of more than 50 firearms and large quantities of ammunition. Warrants noted that Lever had a history of domestic issues and that the Gribbles' son told investigators he had substance abuse problems and was not of sound mind.

David Lever was arrested and charged with three counts of murder. During his first court appearance, he was aggressive and cursed at the judge before being ordered held without bond in the Pitt County Jail. In a later hearing, Pitt County prosecutors announced their intention to seek the death penalty. As of August 2025, criminal proceedings against David Lever remained pending trial.