On Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023, members of the Kinston Police Department charged a 17 y/o Kinston juvenile with the murder of 16 y/o Jayden Ellis of Kinston. The juvenile charged in the murder was taken into custody on March 21st, 2023 for Larceny of a Motor Vehicle that occurred on March 17th, 2023 at 701 W. Vernon Ave. Kinston, N.C. At this time, the juvenile is being held in a juvenile detention facility pending further court appearances.

The Kinston Police Department places the highest priority on investigating crimes of violence perpetrated in our city. We will investigate such cases with no compromise for crime, and continue to seek assistance from the community we proudly serve. As this case progresses, we expect more arrest to follow.