Lenoir County, N.C. — In a tragic domestic dispute that unfolded on the morning of May 2, 2025, two individuals lost their lives in a violent shooting at a residence in Lenoir County, North Carolina. The suspect, 35-year-old Ross Jovian Smith of Kinston, is now facing two felony counts of first-degree murder and several additional charges, following the deaths of his estranged wife, Latoya Marie Smith, 33, and her companion, Calvin Carlyle Kennion, 24. Smith is currently being held without bond at the Lenoir County Detention Center as authorities continue to investigate the motive and circumstances surrounding this horrific incident.
The violence erupted shortly after 8:30 a.m. on the morning of May 2, 2025, when Smith allegedly forcibly entered a home on Carl Ball Lane in Lenoir County, opening fire on the occupants inside. The shooting, which appears to be rooted in a domestic dispute, quickly escalated, leading to the death of Latoya Marie Smith at the scene. Calvin Kennion, who was critically injured, was airlifted to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville. Despite efforts to save his life, Kennion succumbed to his injuries later that day.
Along with the tragic loss of life, a dog inside the residence was also shot during the incident. Fortunately, the animal survived but sustained injuries. As the investigation continues, law enforcement officials have upgraded the charges against Ross Smith to reflect the second victim’s death, bringing the total charges to two counts of first-degree murder.
The Shooting Incident: A Detailed Timeline
At approximately 8:30 a.m. on May 2, 2025, emergency responders received reports of a shooting at a residence on the 100 block of Carl Ball Lane. The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office quickly dispatched deputies to the scene. Upon arrival, they discovered the lifeless body of Latoya Marie Smith, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation revealed that Ross Smith, armed with a firearm, had entered the home uninvited, allegedly confronting his estranged wife before opening fire.
Smith reportedly shot Latoya Smith, and the violence did not end there. Calvin Kennion, who was inside the residence at the time of the shooting, was also shot. Witnesses and investigators suggest that Kennion was an unintended victim caught in the crossfire. He was immediately airlifted to ECU Health Medical Center, where he remained in critical condition for several hours before passing away from his injuries.
The severity of the situation was underscored by the presence of a dog inside the home, which was also shot during the incident. Although the dog survived, it was injured and is currently receiving veterinary care.
Ross Smith Flees the Scene: A Statewide Manhunt
After the tragic events unfolded at the Carl Ball Lane residence, Ross Smith fled the scene in a black Chrysler sedan, reportedly leaving the area at high speed. Local authorities quickly initiated a search for the suspect, and the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Kinston Police Department, began coordinating efforts to locate him.
Smith’s abandoned vehicle was discovered on the 1400 block of Stroud Avenue in Kinston, prompting further efforts to track down the suspect. However, by the time authorities located the vehicle, Smith had already fled on foot, evading immediate capture. This set off a multi-agency manhunt across the region, with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies joining the search.
Around 11:30 a.m., nearly three hours after the shooting, Ross Smith was located on foot near the intersection of N.C. 903 and N.C. 11 in Pitt County. Deputies from the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by officers from the Kinston Police Department, successfully apprehended Smith without incident. He was taken into custody and transported to the Lenoir County Detention Center, where he is currently being held without bond.
Charges Against Ross Smith
Following his arrest, Smith was formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted first-degree murder, felony breaking and entering, felony animal cruelty, and other potential charges that may be added as the investigation unfolds. Authorities are also looking into additional details surrounding the motive for the killings and whether the event was planned or a result of a spontaneous domestic dispute.
The charges against Smith reflect the severity of the situation. In North Carolina, first-degree murder carries a potential life sentence or the death penalty, depending on the circumstances of the crime and the presence of any aggravating factors. The charge of felony animal cruelty adds to the list of potential convictions, highlighting the brutality of the incident.
Latoya Marie Smith: A Victim of Domestic Violence
Latoya Marie Smith’s death has cast a harsh light on the issue of domestic violence, which continues to plague many communities across the United States. According to family and friends, Latoya had been separated from her husband, Ross Smith, for some time, but the couple’s tumultuous relationship appears to have escalated violently in the days leading up to the shooting.
Domestic violence remains a pervasive problem, with millions of Americans, particularly women, suffering from abuse each year. In 2023 alone, the National Domestic Violence Hotline reported receiving over 300,000 calls, with many of those calls related to life-threatening situations. The violent nature of this incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that many individuals, like Latoya, face in relationships that turn toxic.
Latoya’s tragic death has left her family and friends devastated, with loved ones describing her as a kind-hearted and caring individual who did not deserve such a violent end. Family members have expressed shock and disbelief, struggling to comprehend the magnitude of the loss. Latoya leaves behind grieving children, whose lives will forever be altered by the untimely death of their mother.
Calvin Carlyle Kennion: An Unfortunate Casualty
Calvin Carlyle Kennion, who was critically injured during the shooting, was also a victim of circumstances. Authorities have yet to confirm the exact nature of his relationship with Latoya Marie Smith, but investigators suggest that Kennion may have been inside the home as a friend or acquaintance at the time of the shooting.
Kennion’s death has added a layer of complexity to the case, as Smith now faces two murder charges, one for each of the victims. Family and friends of Kennion have expressed sorrow and frustration over the senseless loss of a young man who had his whole life ahead of him. At the time of his death, Kennion was 24 years old, and his untimely passing has left his loved ones in mourning.
The Implications of Domestic Violence in Lenoir County
This tragic incident has sparked discussions about the prevalence of domestic violence in Lenoir County and other rural areas. The community has been shaken by the violence, and many are left wondering what could have been done to prevent such a horrific outcome.
Local advocacy groups have called for increased support for victims of domestic violence, particularly in rural communities, where access to resources can be limited. Support networks, including shelters, counseling services, and legal advocacy, are essential for providing individuals with the tools and resources to escape abusive situations before they escalate to violence.
In Lenoir County, the shooting has underscored the need for more comprehensive education and intervention programs to address domestic violence. While North Carolina has made strides in improving services for victims, much more needs to be done to ensure that individuals who are suffering from abuse have access to the help they need before it is too late.
The Investigation and Future Outlook
The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office, along with state and federal law enforcement agencies, continues to investigate the details surrounding the May 2 shooting. Authorities are working to uncover more about the motive behind the attack and whether Ross Smith had been planning the crime in advance.
As the investigation continues, more details may emerge about the couple’s troubled relationship and the events that led to the tragic shooting. Law enforcement officials have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges being filed against Smith, particularly if evidence of premeditation or additional criminal activity is discovered.
In the coming weeks, the case is expected to be presented to a grand jury, which will determine whether Ross Smith should face trial for the double murder charges. The outcome of the investigation and trial could have significant implications for domestic violence laws in North Carolina, as well as for public awareness about the dangers of abusive relationships.
Conclusion: A Community in Mourning
As Lenoir County comes to terms with the horrific events of May 2, 2025, the impact of the domestic-related shooting continues to resonate throughout the community. The deaths of Latoya Marie Smith and Calvin Carlyle Kennion are a stark reminder of the devastating effects of domestic violence, and they serve as a call to action for stronger prevention and intervention efforts across the country.
The case of Ross Smith will undoubtedly attract attention as it moves through the legal system, and it will likely spark continued conversations about the importance of supporting victims of domestic abuse and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
As for the families of the victims, the road to healing will be long and painful. The deaths of Latoya and Calvin have left deep scars that will take time to heal, but the memory of their lives will endure, and their stories may serve as a catalyst for change in the ongoing fight against domestic violence.
