Kareen Jabbar Stevenson Jr., a 19-year-old African American man, was shot and killed in the early morning hours of June 13, 2022, in Statesville, North Carolina. Police responded to a shots-fired call near Fifth Street and Newbern Avenue; officers were told a shooting victim had already been taken to Iredell Memorial Hospital and then transferred to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, where Kareen was pronounced dead from gunshot wounds.

Statesville police say the investigation is ongoing. Detectives have interviewed witnesses and persons of interest and executed several search warrants, and the department is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of those involved. No arrests have been announced.

Kareen was remembered by family and friends for his great laugh, zest for life, and athletic ability. A 2020 graduate of West Iredell High School, he placed sixth in the state wrestling championship and later made the Dean’s List at Central State University of Ohio. If anyone has information that could help solve this homicide, please contact the Statesville Police Department.