Three suspects arrested in Kinston after 13-year-old shot on Wednesday

KINSTON, N.C. (WNCT) — Law enforcement officers with the Kinston Police Department arrested three people in connection with a shooting that took place on Wednesday. The gun-shot victim was a 13-year-old.

On Thursday, detectives with the department identified and arrested 24-year-old Majyia Bryant at her Kinston residence. They brought her to the station before transporting her to the Lenoir County Jail with no bond. Bryant was charged with attempted first-degree murder, six counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. felony conspiracy and malicious assault in secret.

Warrants for the arrests of 23-year-old Zarek Mattocks and 27-year-old Justice Hicks were also obtained.

Hicks, a La Grange resident, was found on Thursday evening at a residence on North Adkin Street in Kinston by an officer. He was taken into custody and the residence was searched, revealing illegal narcotics and a gun. Hicks was charged with attempted first-degree murder, six counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, felony conspiracy, malicious assault in secret and possession of a firearm by a felon. Additional charges from the residential search include possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of drug paraphernalia, felony possession of cocaine, felony maintaining a dwelling, felony possession of Schedule VI and possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana. Hicks was taken to the Lenoir County Jail and given a secured bond.

The third suspect, Mattocks of Kinston, was arrested after the Kinston Police Department’s SWAT team executed an operation at a residence on Friday morning. Mattocks was charged with attempted first-degree murder, six counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, felony conspiracy, malicious assault in secret and possession of a firearm by a felon. He was taken to the Lenoir County Jail.

“The shooting of an innocent 13-year-old is alarming, senseless and is an evil example of the disregard violent offenders have for others who are in the way of their intended target. I want to reassure the members of our community that the Kinston Police Department remains steadfast in its commitment to the safety and security of everyone and our officers will continue to vigorously pursue and hold accountable anyone who commits violent crime within our community. This case is an example of our dedicated officers working tirelessly to bring justice to the victim and community,” said Chief Keith Goyette

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