Johnnie Lee Rouse, 57, of Kinston, North Carolina, was one of two people killed in a shooting at a residence on the corner of Highland Avenue and Sutton Drive on May 5, 2022. The other victim was 78-year-old Ruby Cox. Both were pronounced dead at the scene by Lenoir County EMS.

Lawrence Cox Jr., 34, of Kinston, was arrested later that day in Goldsboro and charged with two counts of murder in connection with the deaths. He was taken into custody without incident and held in the Lenoir County Jail without bond. Police said Cox had a personal connection to the victims and described the shooting as an isolated incident, stating there was no further threat to the community. The Kinston Police Department worked with the Goldsboro Police Department and the State Bureau of Investigation on the case.

The investigation is active and authorities are asking anyone with additional information to come forward. If anyone knew Johnnie Lee Rouse or has information about what happened that day, please share what you know.