Rocky Mount Police Investigate Thanksgiving Night Homicide on Sunset Avenue

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. — What should have been a peaceful Thanksgiving evening turned tragic in Rocky Mount after a man was shot and killed Thursday night along Sunset Avenue, authorities confirmed.

Around 7:30 p.m., officers from the Rocky Mount Police Department responded to a report of gunfire in the 800 block of Sunset Avenue, a busy corridor near several small businesses and residential areas. When officers arrived, they found an adult male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts by first responders, the man was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Detectives with the department’s Criminal Investigation Division have launched a full-scale investigation. While officials have not yet released the victim’s identity pending notification of his family, investigators spent several hours combing the scene for evidence and speaking with potential witnesses.

Neighbors described the sound of multiple gunshots echoing through the area, breaking what had been a quiet holiday evening. “It was Thanksgiving — you don’t expect to hear that kind of noise,” said one nearby resident who declined to be identified. “Everybody was inside with family, and then we heard sirens.”

As detectives work to determine a motive, police are urging the community to come forward with any information that could help. Tips can be shared by calling (252) 972-1411, or sent anonymously by texting “RMPD” followed by the message to 847411 (TIP411).