Citizens of Kinston feeling shaky in wake of recent fatal shootings

KINSTON, N.C. (WNCT) — The city of Kinston is grappling with a surge of gun violence that has left the community on edge.

Several of those shootings have claimed multiple lives. “Unfortunately, we have had several shootings here, in our city, in our jurisdiction, this past month or two and we currently have nine people shot in our city which is actually the same amount we had last year,” Kinston Police Chief Keith Goyette said.

Goyette said the city needs mentors to guide the youth. “We need mentors to mentor the young men who are committing these crimes,” he said. “We need fathers to step up and raise these children and raise these young men to put the firearms down.”

In May, 17-year-old Dyzer Gooding was shot and killed during a Memorial Day gathering at Bill Faye Park. Law enforcement officers are still looking for the shooter responsible for Gooding’s murder.

Then, just weeks ago, a series of three shootings at Mitchell Wooten Apartments on Adkin Street left one person dead and two injured.

“It’s not safe, you don’t ever know. I mean it happens day time and night time,” Patricia Spinner said. “It’s stressful, they never know, you never know, like a simple stop can turn into anything dangerous and it’s real.”

As the community continues to mourn the losses, officers said they are working closely with people living in the city and are increasing patrols to prevent further violence.

With some cases remaining unsolved, the community’s push for answers and peace remains strong.

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