Authorities in Lenoir County, North Carolina, confirmed that 35-year-old Rois Smith was arrested after allegedly shooting and killing his estranged wife, Toiya Smith, 33, and fatally wounding 24-year-old Calvin Kennin. The tragic incident, which also left a dog injured, has shocked the local community and prompted further discussions about domestic violence, gun access, and the dangers of estranged relationships. The events unfolded in a chilling sequence that has raised many questions and left a family grieving and a community shaken.
The Events Leading to the Tragedy
On the evening of April 29, 2025, the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a shooting in the small, quiet community of Kinston, located in Lenoir County. At approximately 8:00 p.m., Rois Smith is believed to have arrived at the residence of his estranged wife, Toiya Smith, located in a residential neighborhood. According to law enforcement officials, Rois Smith and Toiya Smith had been separated for some time, and this confrontation appears to have been the tragic culmination of a strained relationship.
What exactly led to the altercation remains unclear, but law enforcement sources indicated that Rois Smith entered the home and shot Toiya Smith, causing fatal injuries. Calvin Kennin, who was reportedly at the residence at the time, was also shot in the attack. Although his relationship to Toiya Smith has not been fully disclosed, sources say he was either a family member or a friend who attempted to intervene during the confrontation. Kennin sustained life-threatening injuries and was rushed to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Additionally, a dog inside the residence was injured during the shooting but was not immediately reported as being fatally wounded. The emotional impact of this event on the Smith family and Kennin’s family has been immense. For many, the sight of a pet being harmed only intensifies the horror of an already devastating situation.
The Response and Arrest
Following the shooting, Rois Smith fled the scene in his vehicle, prompting a manhunt by local authorities. Officers from the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office, along with support from neighboring jurisdictions, quickly began searching for Rois Smith. Investigators issued an alert for his whereabouts, and it wasn’t long before he was located in Pitt County, a nearby region in North Carolina.
At approximately 2:00 a.m. on April 30, 2025, Rois Smith was taken into custody in Pitt County without incident. Authorities had successfully tracked him down, and he was arrested for his involvement in the shooting that led to the deaths of his estranged wife and Calvin Kennin.
The Charges Against Rois Smith
Upon his arrest, Rois Smith was charged with multiple serious offenses, including double murder, attempted murder, breaking and entering, and animal cruelty. Given the severity of the charges, the case has drawn significant attention from local media and the public. Each charge carries a heavy penalty, and the investigation is expected to be a prolonged process, as authorities work to determine the full scope of the events leading up to the attack.
-
Double Murder: The most significant charge Rois Smith faces is the alleged killing of his estranged wife, Toiya Smith, and Calvin Kennin. Both individuals were shot and killed in the same incident, and Rois Smith is believed to have intentionally taken their lives. Given the circumstances, including the domestic nature of the relationship, this charge could lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty in North Carolina, depending on the outcome of the investigation and trial.
-
Attempted Murder: Rois Smith also faces charges for attempting to kill Calvin Kennin, who was critically injured during the shooting. The fact that Kennin survived long enough to be transported to the hospital before ultimately succumbing to his injuries adds an additional layer of complexity to the case.
-
Breaking and Entering: Authorities are investigating whether Rois Smith forcibly entered the home, where Toiya Smith and Calvin Kennin were located. While no details have been officially released about how Smith gained access to the home, the charges suggest that this could have been a key factor in the case.
-
Animal Cruelty: Finally, Rois Smith faces charges of animal cruelty after the dog inside the home was injured during the shooting. Though the dog’s injuries were reportedly not life-threatening, the harm caused to the animal adds further distress to an already tragic situation. The presence of the dog during a violent altercation speaks to the chaotic and dangerous nature of the events that unfolded.
The Aftermath of the Tragedy
The deaths of Toiya Smith and Calvin Kennin, along with the injury to the family pet, have reverberated through the local community. Friends, family members, and loved ones are grieving the loss of the victims, and support services have been offered to help those affected by the tragedy. Local organizations, including domestic violence support groups, have also stepped in to offer help to those who may be struggling in the aftermath of the shooting.
The community has come together in the wake of the incident to mourn the deaths and offer support to the victims’ families. Local churches, counseling services, and organizations have opened their doors to provide grief counseling and emotional support to anyone impacted by the shooting. Rois Smith’s arrest has not dampened the collective sorrow, but it has sparked a series of conversations about domestic violence, mental health, and gun access in the community.
The Broader Context: Domestic Violence and Mental Health
This tragedy highlights the ongoing problem of domestic violence in the United States, a serious issue that affects countless individuals each year. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, nearly one in four women in the United States will experience some form of domestic violence in their lifetime. The violence that Rois Smith allegedly inflicted on his estranged wife and Calvin Kennin is sadly part of a much larger national issue.
Domestic violence is often fueled by a combination of psychological, emotional, and social factors. The dynamics of domestic relationships can be extremely complex, and violence within those relationships often stems from issues such as control, anger, and unresolved conflicts. Rois Smith’s actions, while shocking, are indicative of the extreme lengths to which some individuals go when dealing with unresolved personal and relational issues. Understanding the causes of domestic violence and intervening early is essential in preventing such tragedies in the future.
In addition to the broader issue of domestic violence, the case also underscores the importance of mental health awareness and intervention. Rois Smith’s actions could have been influenced by untreated mental health issues, stress, or other psychological factors. Mental health professionals often emphasize the need for support and counseling for individuals going through personal struggles, particularly in high-stress and emotionally charged situations like those leading up to this tragic incident.
The Impact of Gun Access and Gun Violence
The shooting in Lenoir County also brings attention to the ongoing debate about gun access and gun violence in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were more than 43,000 gun-related deaths in the U.S. in 2020 alone. The high number of gun-related deaths has sparked national discussions about gun control, regulation, and safety measures.
In the case of Rois Smith, access to a firearm during an emotionally charged confrontation appears to have played a critical role in the escalation of the violence. Gun control advocates argue that limiting access to firearms, particularly in volatile or high-risk situations, could help reduce the number of violent crimes and deaths related to gun violence.
Law Enforcement’s Response and Public Reactions
Law enforcement officials have acted swiftly in this case, arresting Rois Smith and charging him with multiple serious offenses. However, the case has sparked mixed reactions in the community. Some residents are calling for stricter laws to prevent domestic violence, while others are concerned about the impact of such incidents on law enforcement practices and the justice system.
While the legal process unfolds, it is clear that the Smith family’s tragedy will continue to raise questions about how society can address domestic violence, mental health, gun violence, and the interconnected issues that contribute to such devastating outcomes.
Conclusion: A Community in Mourning
The events surrounding the deaths of Toiya Smith and Calvin Kennin, as well as the arrest of Rois Smith, will continue to reverberate throughout the local community and beyond. As the investigation continues and the legal process plays out, the Smith family’s loss is a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the complexities of human relationships.
The tragedy is also a call for increased awareness and action on the issues of domestic violence, mental health, and gun violence. It serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for intervention, support systems, and stronger measures to address these critical societal challenges.
As the community of Lenoir County reflects on this senseless tragedy, the hope remains that it will serve as a catalyst for change, fostering greater empathy, understanding, and efforts to prevent similar events in the future.
