Kinston Homicide: Quandarius Rawl Arrested in Shooting Death of Ryechic Harper

On October 28, 2025, the Kinston Police Department responded to a shooting at 405 Manning Street in Kinston, North Carolina. Officers pronounced Ryechic Harper deceased at the scene from a gunshot wound. According to police, Quandarius Rawl, age 21, was identified as the suspect. Rawl voluntarily surrendered to law enforcement 45 minutes after the incident. He was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder and Possession of a Stolen Firearm. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Kinston Police Department.

This tragedy is a stark reminder of the urgent need for our community to come together and participate in programs aimed at preventing gun violence here in North Carolina. By supporting local initiatives, educational efforts, and outreach programs, we can work toward a safer future for everyone in Kinston.

But to truly make a difference, we must do more than react to violence—we must seek to understand it. It’s not enough to ask what happened; we need to ask why. What is driving our young people to such desperation and anger that they turn on each other with violence?

We need to get into the hearts and minds of our youth. We must listen to their struggles, their fears, and their frustrations. Are they feeling hopeless? Are they lacking opportunities, support, or positive role models? Are they facing trauma, poverty, or a sense of isolation?

If we want to stop the cycle of violence, we have to address these root causes. That means investing in mental health resources, mentorship programs, after-school activities, and job opportunities. It means creating safe spaces where young people can talk openly and find guidance. It means showing them that their lives matter and that there is a future worth fighting for—one that doesn’t involve picking up a gun.

Let’s come together as a community to listen, to support, and to act. The future of Kinston depends on it.

For further updates, refer to official statements from the Kinston Police Department and local news sources.