On December 20, 2024, just after midnight, Greene County deputies and EMS responded to a residence on Royce Drive in the Jason area of Snow Hill, North Carolina, after reports of a shooting. Officers found 62-year-old Melvin Ray Hawkins with multiple gunshot wounds; he was taken to ECU Health and pronounced dead there.

Investigators say Hawkins and 40-year-old Emmanuel Williams were involved in an altercation at the home. Witnesses reported Hawkins had asked Williams to leave, after which the shooting occurred. Williams fled but returned while deputies were on scene, appearing with injuries; he was taken to UNC Wayne Memorial for treatment of lacerations. Williams was arrested on an outstanding failure-to-appear order and charged with an open count of murder. He is being held at the Greene County Detention Center without bond and the investigation remains ongoing.

If anyone saw activity on Royce Drive that night or has information about the altercation, please contact Greene County authorities.