ROCKY MOUNT, NC – A tragic scene unfolded in Rocky Mount on November 27th, 2019. Devon Porter and his friend Na’keen Challah Williams were messing around with a loaded handgun. That handgun went off and Williams died from a gunshot wound to the head.
On 11/27/2019, the ECSO received a call from 143 Thomas Road, Rocky Mount in reference to a 17-year-old male being shot in the head while cleaning a loaded handgun. When deputies arrived on scene it was discovered Na’keen Challah Williams was deceased from a gunshot wound to the head. The victim’s best friend, Devon Porter (also 17 at the time) was present at the time of the shooting.
Detective L. Shaw conducted a thorough investigation and learned Devon Porter shot Williams in the head while horse playing with a loaded semi-automatic pistol. Porter was subsequently charged by Detective L. Shaw with Involuntary Manslaughter and Possession of a Handgun by a Minor. Porter was tried in Edgecombe County Superior court on 04/26/2021 on those charges. Porter entered a plea and was sentenced to between 12-24 months in the NC Department of Corrections. Our thoughts and prayers go out to both families of this tragedy.