Three Separate Weekend Shootings in Rocky Mount Leave Two Dead, One Arrested
ROCKY MOUNT, NC – Between Saturday evening and early Sunday morning, Rocky Mount Police responded to three separate shootings—two aggravated assaults and one double homicide—within a span of just seven hours. Authorities say the incidents are not believed to be connected.
The disturbing wave of gun violence began Saturday night, July 12, and continued into the early hours of Sunday, July 13, claiming two young lives and injuring two others in unrelated shootings across the city. Investigations into each case remain active.
Shooting Outside Buffalo Wild Wings – Victim Declines Treatment
Date: July 12, 2025 – 8:51 p.m.
Location: 215 Ring Road (Buffalo Wild Wings)
Victim: Justin Cantres, 29
Officers responded to reports of gunfire in the parking lot of Buffalo Wild Wings. Shortly afterward, 29-year-old Justin Cantres was located on South Franklin Street with a graze wound. He was treated by EMS on site but declined transport to the hospital and refused to cooperate with police.
This case remains under investigation.
Double Homicide on Virginia Street
Date: July 13, 2025 – 2:58 a.m.
Location: 800 Block of Virginia Street
Victims: Ryo Steele, 19, and La’ren Dickens, 20
Less than seven hours later, police responded to the 800 block of Virginia Street and found two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Ryo Steele and La’ren Dickens were pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts by emergency personnel.
This double homicide is under active investigation by Rocky Mount detectives.
Second Aggravated Assault Just Minutes Later, Arrest Made
Date: July 13, 2025 – 3:02 a.m.
Location: 1350 West Raleigh Boulevard
Victim: Reggie Joyner, 29
Suspect: Daquan Johnson, 26
On Monday, Rocky Mount Police arrested Daquan Johnson, 26, in connection to the early morning shooting that left Reggie Joyner, 29, injured. Investigators say the two men were involved in a brief verbal altercation at a nearby store before the incident.
As Joyner drove away from the store, Johnson allegedly ran behind the vehicle and fired a single shot from a handgun. The bullet struck Joyner in the back after entering the car.
Johnson turned himself in to the Edgecombe County Magistrate’s Office later that day. He was issued a $25,000 secured bond, posted bail, and has since been released from custody.
Police Request Community Assistance
Anyone with information on any of the three shootings is urged to contact the Rocky Mount Police Department at 252-972-1411. Anonymous tips can be submitted via Tip411 by texting “RMPD” and your message to 847411.