It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that we remember the life of Dequesia J. Parker, a 25-year-old who tragically lost his life on the morning of November 1, 2025, following a senseless act of violence in Murfreesboro, North Carolina. Dequesia was a beloved member of his community, and his untimely death has left a profound impact on his family, friends, and all those who knew him.
A Life Cut Short
Dequesia was known for his kind heart, his love for life, and his ability to bring people together. Whether with family, friends, or strangers, he had a way of making everyone feel seen and appreciated. His laughter was infectious, and his energy was one that could light up a room. Tragically, his life was taken too soon during an altercation at a Halloween party in a trailer park on Buena Vista Road, where a dispute escalated and led to gunfire. Dequesia was struck by the bullets and later succumbed to his injuries at ECU Health Vidant Hospital.
While the details of that fateful night are still under investigation, Dequesia’s family and friends are left with a loss that words can hardly express. As the investigation continues, the community mourns not just the loss of a young man with so much potential, but also the loss of a son, brother, and friend who was loved by so many.
The Community Remembers
Dequesia’s family has shared that he was a person who valued family above all else. His mother, who raised him with love and devotion, described him as a “sweet soul” who would always put others before himself. His sister, who spoke of him fondly, recalled the way he would support her through thick and thin, always offering a listening ear and the most genuine advice. “He had a heart of gold,” she said, her voice heavy with grief. “Dequesia was the kind of person who would do anything for the people he loved.”
Dequesia was known for his quiet strength and loyalty to his friends. His circle of close friends remembers him for his unwavering support and his ability to make them laugh when times were tough. “He had a way of making everything feel okay,” said one of his childhood friends. “He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.”
In the days following his passing, many have shared memories on social media, paying tribute to his spirit. The messages have poured in from all over, with people expressing their shock and sorrow, remembering him as a light in their lives that was extinguished far too early. While his family and friends cope with the pain of his loss, they are comforted by the love and support they have received from the community, which has united to honor his memory.
A Call for Justice
The Hertford County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating Dequesia’s death, which occurred following a violent altercation at a Halloween party. Investigators have identified a potential suspect in the case, but that person remains at large. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Despite a large number of people being present at the party, investigators have faced challenges in gathering witness statements. The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to contact them directly at (252) 358-7800 or anonymously through Hertford County Crime Stoppers at (252) 358-7841.
Sheriff Dexter Hayes has emphasized the importance of cooperation from the public in solving this case. “We are committed to finding justice for Dequesia and his family,” he said. “This was a senseless act of violence, and we ask that anyone who has information come forward to help us bring those responsible to justice.”
As the investigation unfolds, the family and friends of Dequesia remain hopeful that justice will be served, but no amount of legal proceedings can bring back the life of a young man who was taken too soon. The loss of Dequesia is a stark reminder of the devastating impact that senseless violence can have on a community.
Remembering Dequesia
In the face of this tragedy, the community continues to remember Dequesia for the love he gave, the joy he spread, and the positive impact he had on everyone who crossed his path. His life, though tragically short, was filled with moments of warmth, laughter, and kindness. The pain of his loss will forever be felt by those who loved him, but so too will the memories of the good he brought into their lives.
Dequesia J. Parker may be gone, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His family, friends, and community are committed to keeping his spirit alive by continuing to honor his legacy — a legacy of love, generosity, and joy.
As his family navigates this incredibly difficult time, they are filled with gratitude for the outpouring of support they have received. “We are grateful for the love and kindness everyone has shown us,” said his mother. “Dequesia was loved by so many, and we will hold onto that love as we heal and remember him.”
The community has planned a memorial to celebrate Dequesia’s life and to honor his memory. It will be a time for family, friends, and all who knew him to come together, share stories, and keep his spirit alive in their hearts.
A Community United in Grief
As we remember Dequesia J. Parker, we stand united in grief, but also in hope. Hope that justice will be served, hope that his family will find peace, and hope that his life will continue to inspire all who knew him. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those affected by this senseless act of violence. Dequesia’s legacy is one of love and kindness, and that is how he will always be remembered.
For more information on the investigation or to provide tips, please contact:
Hertford County Sheriff’s Office
Phone: (252) 358-7800
Crime Stoppers: (252) 358-7841
