ELIZABETH CITY — Two people, including a juvenile, were killed in a Thursday night, Jan. 22, 2026, shooting on Edge Street, prompting Elizabeth City police to launch an investigation and appeal to the community for information.
During a press conference on Friday, Jan. 23, Chief of Police Eddie Graham identified one victim as Jamarey Tykeil Johnson, 19, of Hertford. The second victim was described only as a male juvenile, whose age was not released pending further investigation.
Officers responded to reports of gunshots in the 500 block of Edge Street at approximately 8:38 p.m. Jan. 23, arriving at the scene in less than three minutes. The Elizabeth City Police Department worked alongside the Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office and Elizabeth City State Campus Police Department to investigate the incident, which kept authorities on scene until 3 or 4 a.m.
Both victims were found deceased at the scene and were to be taken to the Greenville-Pitt County Memorial Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy.
Graham emphasized that investigators believe the shooting was an isolated incident and that there is no imminent danger to the public. He said early evidence suggests the victims and suspect knew each other, though he declined to elaborate on their relationship or provide details about potential suspects.
“This is a devastating time for the City of Elizabeth City,” Graham said the press conference alongside Mayor Kurt E. Rivers. “The families, loved ones and friends need our prayers, and this community needs our prayers.”
The police chief issued a strong appeal for community cooperation in solving the case.
“Silence protects criminals. Cooperation protects the community,” Graham said. “If you are responsible for this crime, this is not how the story will end. We will investigate, we will continue to work with our local partners to arrest you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
Investigators have been canvassing the neighborhood and interviewing witnesses since the shooting occurred. Graham confirmed that the department’s gunshot detection system, similar to ShotSpotter technology, alerted authorities to the incident and contributed to the response.
When asked about whether the shooting was gang-related, Graham said it was early in the investigation but noted that the department has responded to incidents in the city without necessarily classifying them as gang violence.
The double homicide brings Elizabeth City’s 2026 murder count to two, matching the total for all of 2025. In 2024, the city recorded five homicides.
Mayor Rivers expressed his condolences and pledged the city’s full support for the police investigation.
“We are committed to making sure that all of our residents understand that the police department is on top of this,” Rivers said.
He added that he had been in contact with the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County Schools superintendent to offer assistance and had visited the neighborhood before the press conference with a member of city council to show the community support.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Elizabeth City Police Department at 252-335-4321, the Crime Line at 252-335-5555, or the FUSAS tip line at 252-390-8477. All tips will be kept confidential and can be provided anonymously.
Graham confirmed that both families have been notified and are cooperating with investigators. “They are deeply saddened,” he said. “You can imagine what they’re going through at this time.”
Washington County Sheriff’s Office
PLYMOUTH – The Washington County Sheriff’s Office recently announced that it will provide vehicle unlock service to the entire county, including all towns within the county.
Vehicle unlocks are considered a courtesy that the agency provides to help with the occasional mishap of keys being locked inside a vehicle. They do not have the same priority as law enforcement calls or other duties, however, they will be handled as soon as possible.
If the vehicle has a child or pet locked inside or if the engine is running, this would prioritize the unlock as a call instead of just a courtesy.
Chowan County Sheriff’s Office
EDENTON – The Chowan County Sheriff’s Office recently toured the new John A. Holmes High School in Edenton.
“We were guided by Chowan County native and Edenton-Chowan Schools’ Construction Consultant, Chris Brabble, who showed us the new hallways and classrooms,” the agency shared in a Facebook post. “While the new furniture and fixtures were very impressive, our primary focus was on safety and security measures. We look forward to and continue to be committed to providing a safe and secure location for Chowan County students to get an education.”
Perquimans County Sheriff’s Office
Arrest reports
Beverly Lane, of North Church Street, Hertford, was arrested on Jan. 16, 2026, on a warrant for a charge of simple assault.
Jamal Harris, of West Grubb Street, Hertford, was arrested on Jan. 16, 2026, on two charges of domestic violence protection order violation. No bond was set. Harris was placed in a 48-hour hold.
Raven Harkins, of Body Road, Hertford, was arrested on Jan. 19, 2026, on a charge of failure to comply with judgement. A secured bond of $188 was set.
Tristan Spencer, of Walker Drive, Edenton, was arrested on Jan. 20, 2026, on a felony charge of possession of cocaine and a charge of maintaining a vehicle for a controlled substance. A secured bond of $40,000 was set.
Thomas White, of Cofield Road, Edenton, was arrested on Jan. 21, 2026, on a charge of violation of a court order. No bond was set. White was placed in a 48-hour hold.