MURFREESBORO, NC — The Hertford County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating a homicide that occurred early this morning at a trailer park located on Buena Vista Road in Murfreesboro, North Carolina. The incident occurred on November 1, 2025, at approximately 2:55 a.m., when deputies responded to a call reporting shots fired in the area of 121 Buena Vista Road, a known location for gatherings. Authorities have learned that a verbal altercation between two individuals at the gathering escalated into a physical confrontation. During the altercation, gunfire erupted, and Dequesia J. Parker, 25, was struck by the gunfire.
Upon arrival, deputies encountered a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed, which subsequently led to a vehicle pursuit that ended in Conway, North Carolina. During the pursuit, two individuals fled the vehicle on foot, and one was taken into custody for Resist, Delay, and Obstruct. The other suspect remains at large.
Preliminary Investigation
Initial investigations suggest that the incident began at a Halloween party taking place at the Buena Vista Road trailer park. Authorities have learned that a verbal altercation between two individuals at the gathering escalated into a physical confrontation. During the altercation, gunfire erupted, and Dequesia J. Parker, 25, was struck by the gunfire.
Parker was immediately transported to ECU Health Vidant Hospital for treatment. Despite medical efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries. The Hertford County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed Parker’s death as the result of this violent incident.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities focusing on the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the individuals involved. Despite a large number of people present at the party when the incident occurred, investigators have encountered significant challenges due to limited cooperation from witnesses. This lack of assistance has made the investigation more difficult, and the Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information to come forward.
Suspects and Pursuit
Sheriff Dexter Hayes confirmed that investigators have identified a potential suspect in the homicide, but that person remains at large. Authorities have yet to release further details regarding the identity of the suspect or the ongoing search efforts.
The initial vehicle pursuit following the shots fired call led deputies to Conway, North Carolina. While two individuals fled the vehicle on foot, one suspect was apprehended and charged with Resist, Delay, and Obstruct. Authorities continue to review evidence and conduct interviews in hopes of uncovering more information.
Sheriff Hayes is urging the public to come forward with any information that may assist in the investigation. “We are dedicated to finding justice for Dequesia Parker and his family,” Sheriff Hayes said. “If anyone has knowledge of what happened that night, or can help identify the individuals involved, we encourage you to contact us immediately.”
Request for Information
The Hertford County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about the incident to contact their office directly at (252) 358-7800, or to provide tips anonymously through Hertford County Crime Stoppers at (252) 358-7841.
Sheriff Hayes also emphasized the importance of public cooperation in solving this case, noting that “even the smallest piece of information could prove to be critical in identifying those responsible for this senseless act of violence.”
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation remains active, and additional details will be provided as they become available. The Hertford County Sheriff’s Office, along with local and state law enforcement agencies, is committed to ensuring that justice is served in this case.
“We will continue to pursue every lead and bring those responsible for this tragedy to justice,” said Sheriff Hayes. “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family during this difficult time, and we ask for the community’s help in holding the individuals responsible accountable.”
For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
Hertford County Sheriff’s Office
Phone: (252) 358-7800
Crime Stoppers: (252) 358-7841
