Emmanuel Kwame Gbedee, 57, an Uber driver from Benson, North Carolina, was shot and killed while working in the early hours of January 12, 2025. His body was found in the backseat of his vehicle near the 2500 block of Holly Grove Road; the car’s flashers were on when authorities arrived. Investigators believe Gbedee had picked up 18-year-old Tray’vian Brown shortly before the shooting. There was no prior association reported between Gbedee and Brown, and the motive remains unknown.

Brown, a Dunn resident, was arrested and charged with murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon and was held without bond at the Johnston County detention center; a February 6 court date was scheduled after an appearance on January 16, 2025. Gbedee’s family described him as a pillar in the community and said they had been preparing to celebrate his 30th wedding anniversary; the family is proceeding with the planned observance as a tribute to his memory. Uber has banned Brown’s account and is cooperating with investigators.

What information might help clarify the events leading up to Gbedee being in that location that night?