The quiet streets of Kinston were shaken early Monday morning when 36-year-old Charles Wade Jr. lost his life in a sudden act of violence that has left an entire community searching for answers. The shooting happened in the Carver Courts area, a place many residents call home, now marked by grief and disbelief.
Police say the call came in just before 1 a.m., around 12:57, reporting a gunshot victim inside one of the buildings in the 12 block of Carver Courts. Officers rushed to the scene and found Wade suffering from a gunshot wound. In those critical moments, they worked quickly, doing everything they could to save him right there on the spot.
Despite their efforts, Wade’s injuries proved too severe. He died at the scene, leaving behind a wave of sorrow that spread quickly through family, friends, and neighbors who woke up to the devastating news. For many, it was hard to process how a life could be taken so suddenly.
Investigators have since confirmed the case is being treated as a homicide. Detectives are actively working leads, trying to piece together what happened in those early morning hours. So far, officials have not released any information about a suspect or what may have led to the shooting.
For those who knew Charles Wade Jr., this loss cuts deep. At 36, he was still building his story, still present in the everyday lives of people who cared about him. Now, they are left holding onto memories, trying to make sense of a future that no longer includes him.
Neighbors in Carver Courts describe a heavy silence hanging over the area. The kind of silence that follows tragedy. The kind that leaves people standing a little longer outside their doors, talking in low voices, hoping for answers that have not yet come.
As the investigation continues, the focus for many has shifted to remembering the man behind the headlines. A life taken too soon, in a moment that changed everything. And in Kinston, that loss will not be easily forgotten.
