Steven Ray Squires Jr., a 28-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on November 14, 2014, in Bayboro, North Carolina. The incident occurred near the intersection of Vance and Water Streets, where a physical altercation escalated into a fatal shooting. Squires was one of four individuals shot during the altercation. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Authorities quickly identified Davone Martez Bryant, a 20-year-old male from Oriental, North Carolina, as the primary suspect in the shooting. Bryant was apprehended in Raleigh on November 18, 2014, after being located at a hospital in the area. He faced charges of homicide and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill.
The investigation revealed that the altercation began as a fight between two individuals, which then escalated when Bryant allegedly opened fire.
In addition to Squires, two other victims, Demario Tyair Himbry and Terrelle Greene, both African American males from Bayboro, sustained gunshot wounds. Himbry was critically injured with multiple gunshot wounds to his back and shoulder, while Greene suffered a gunshot wound to his hand.
Bryant himself was also injured during the incident, sustaining a gunshot wound to his leg. He initially sought treatment at CarolinaEast Medical Center but left against medical advice. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and the investigation is ongoing.
Steven Ray Squires Jr. was remembered by his family and community as a beloved father and son. He left behind a daughter, Amya Squires, and three sons, Steven R. Squires III, Kameron Squires, and Jakobe Squires. His funeral was held on November 22, 2014, at St. Mark AME Zion Church, followed by burial at St. Mark Church Cemetery.
