NC Father Shielded Infant From Gunfire — Killed While Saving Child’s Life
PLYMOUTH, NC – A quiet early morning in a North Carolina neighborhood turned into a devastating scene of violence—but also a powerful act of love that is now leaving a community grieving and inspired at the same time.
Deadly Shooting Leaves One Father Dead, Infant Survives
PLYMOUTH, N.C. — A 36-year-old NC father was shot and killed while inside a vehicle early Thursday morning, as gunfire erupted in a residential area along Latham Avenue.
Officers with the Plymouth Police Department responded around 1:34 a.m. on April 2, 2026, after hearing multiple gunshots and receiving several 911 calls reporting a shooting.
When officers arrived, they found Devonelle Brimage unresponsive inside a vehicle parked in a driveway, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A second victim, Avione Linquad Webb, 38, was found in the rear seat of the vehicle with gunshot injuries. He was transported for treatment and later transferred to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville.
An 8-month-old child was also inside the vehicle at the time of the shooting.
A Father’s Final Act of Protection
As more details emerged, a heartbreaking and powerful truth surfaced.
According to reports and family accounts, Brimage was holding his infant when the gunfire began—and used his own body to shield the child.
That split-second decision is now being credited with saving the baby’s life.
The infant suffered non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released from the hospital.
Loved ones and community members are now calling Brimage a hero, honoring the sacrifice he made in his final moments.
Community Reacts: ‘That’s a Father’
Tributes have poured in across social media, reflecting both grief and admiration for Brimage’s courage.
“Now that’s a father… May his soul rest in peace knowing his children are safe and alive.”
Family members also shared emotional messages remembering him as a devoted parent and loved one.
“You may be gone, but your love and memory live on in our children… You will be missed, remembered, and loved always.”
A GoFundMe has been created to support his children, noting:
“In his final moments, he showed incredible courage and love—using his own body to shield and protect his 8-month-old baby.”
Investigation Ongoing, Suspects Still at Large
Authorities say the suspects fled the scene, and no arrests have been made at this time.
The Plymouth Police Department, along with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, continues to actively investigate.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Plymouth Police Department at (252) 793-4680.
A Life Remembered Through Sacrifice
While the investigation continues, the story of Devonelle Brimage is already leaving a lasting impact.
His final act reflects a level of love and sacrifice that resonates far beyond Plymouth—reminding many of the unbreakable bond between a parent and child.