Victims, suspect ID'd in NC shootings

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (WAVY) - Elizabeth City Police held a news conference Wednesday afternoon to discuss the latest developments in a double homicide investigation.

Two men were found dead in related shootings New Year's Day.

According to Eddie Buffaloe, Jr. with the Elizabeth City Police Department, police found one gunshot victim near the intersection of McMorrine Street and Shepard Street shortly before 2:30 a.m. He had been shot several times and was transported via Nightingale to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital where he was pronounced dead just before 5 a.m.

Anthony Ryan heard the shots and saw the victim man yelling while lying on the ground.

“He was screaming... he wasn't saying anything. He was just screaming... it was terrifying," Ryan said.

Buffaloe said the second victim was found dead Tuesday afternoon just after 1 p.m. behind a house in the 500 block of Shepard Street.

Capt. John Young with the Elizabeth City Police Department told WAVY.com the victims have been identified as Quintin Willisachual Epps, 21, and Jamiel Tyshaun Walker, 23, both of Elizabeth City.

Additionally, Gyrell Shavonta Lee, 24, is charged with murder in connection to Epps' death. No charges have been filed in Walker's death at this time, Young said.

According to Young, there was an altercation between the victims, and both were wounded by gunfire at some point. Young would not say what the altercation entailed. 

“I can not connect the dots as to whether this is gang related," Buffaloe said during a news conference Wednesday.

WAVY.com spoke with Walker's uncle.

“There's got to be something better for you out here than what's going on now. I guarantee if we could bring both of those men back they would not do this all over again," Lemuel Walker said.

Ryan, who was the victim of a robbery two years ago in the area, said he has had enough.

“I am considering moving. It has gotten a lot worse over the past few years out here," Ryan said.

If you have any information about either of the incidents, contact Elizabeth City Crime Line at 252-335-5555.