Since the date of the original report investigators have been working tirelessly to bring the persons responsible for the homicide of Dzyer Gooding to Justice.

We are pleased to announce that an anonymous community member has graciously made a $10,000 donation to be offered as a reward for information leading to the arrest of the offender(s) responsible. Ms. Gooding was murdered at a gathering of more than 200 people, we plead to the community that we proudly serve to speak up and not let this case grow cold.

If anyone has information about this incident, please call the Kinston Police Department’s Tips Line at 252-939-4020 or through the Tip411 App that is available on both Apple and Android devices.

Original Case Update:

On Sunday, May 26, 2024, at approximately 9:20 pm, Kinston Police Officers responded to Bill Faye Park, 1003 Phillips Rd. Kinston, N.C., for a report of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers were met with approximately 200 individuals in the park for a Memorial Day Celebration. Officers located the victim, Dzyer Gooding, 17, of Kinston, deceased from an apparent gunshot wound. It was quickly determined that, during the event, an unknown number of assailants began exchanging gunfire with other members of the crowd, striking the victim. Kinston Police Department Investigators responded to the scene and are currently following up on leads