GOLDSBORO, NC — The early morning stillness of Sunday, July 13, 2025, was abruptly shattered in Goldsboro, North Carolina, when the life of 39-year-old Derrick Maye was taken in a deadly shooting outside Summer Nights, a popular Dominican-style restaurant located at 2205-B E. Ash Street. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, prompting grief, calls for justice, and renewed concern over gun violence in public spaces.
At approximately 3:15 a.m., the Goldsboro Police Department received urgent reports of gunfire erupting in the restaurant’s parking lot. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered Maye lying on the pavement with multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical responders attempted to stabilize him before transporting him to UNC Health Wayne, where, despite the best efforts of trauma personnel, he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
The parking lot, a place where laughter and music had filled the night just hours earlier, was transformed into a somber crime scene, with yellow police tape cordoning off the area. Officers secured the perimeter as investigators from the department’s Criminal Investigations Division worked to collect shell casings, review surveillance footage, and interview potential witnesses.
Who Was Derrick Maye? A Life Remembered
Those who knew Derrick Maye paint a portrait of a man who was beloved by many in Goldsboro. Described as respectful, kind-hearted, and community-oriented, Maye’s death is being deeply felt by family members, friends, and neighbors alike. He was known not only as a loyal friend but also as someone who cared about lifting up others, whether through quiet acts of service or sharing a warm smile that could brighten the darkest day.
“He was always respectful, always tried to lift others up,” said Tremaine Lewis, a longtime friend who grew up with Maye on the city’s west side. “He wasn’t the type to be in trouble. He had people who loved him, who depended on him.”
Maye’s mother, Linda Maye, was too grief-stricken to speak at length but released a short statement through the family: “Derrick was our heart. Our world is forever changed. We ask for privacy as we mourn and for prayers that justice will be done.”
A makeshift memorial has begun to take shape outside Summer Nights, with candles, flowers, and handwritten notes surrounding a photograph of Maye in happier times. It is a space of mourning and remembrance where people continue to stop, reflect, and express their sorrow.
Summer Nights and the Saturday Night Scene
Summer Nights, located on East Ash Street, has become a staple of the local nightlife in recent years. Known for its Dominican-themed cuisine, Latin music nights, and an environment that draws a wide-ranging clientele, the restaurant has earned a reputation for being a vibrant social hub in Goldsboro’s diverse community.
On Saturday evenings, it’s not uncommon to see the lot filled with cars and the sound of salsa, bachata, and merengue pouring through the doors. According to patrons who attended that night, the evening had been lively but peaceful—until the mood turned in an instant.
“There was no sign that something like this was coming,” said Marta Hernandez, a regular who left just an hour before the shooting. “It was a good crowd, people dancing, just enjoying themselves. I can’t believe this happened outside of a place I’ve always felt safe.”
Though the circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under investigation, police have not ruled out that the incident may have stemmed from a personal dispute or confrontation. They are actively seeking leads, and as of now, no arrests have been made.
Investigation Underway: Seeking Witnesses and Clues
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, the Goldsboro Police Department’s Crime Scene Unit began a meticulous forensic sweep. Officers recovered several shell casings and are reviewing surveillance video from the restaurant and surrounding businesses. Detectives have canvassed nearby streets, checking for any private security cameras that may offer additional angles of the shooter’s movements before and after the attack.
“We’re working tirelessly to bring the perpetrator or perpetrators to justice,” said Lt. Carlos Manning, spokesperson for the department. “This community deserves answers, and we will not rest until we have them.”
In an appeal to the public, police are urging anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the area of E. Ash Street between 3:00 and 3:30 a.m. to come forward. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Wayne County Crime Stoppers at 919-735-2255.
The Ripple Effect of Violence
The shooting has reignited long-standing concerns about gun violence in Goldsboro and the surrounding region. Community leaders, local clergy, and activists have expressed outrage and sorrow in equal measure, calling for unity and preventative measures to stop the cycle of violence.
“This tragedy is not just about one man,” said Rev. Darnell Petty, pastor at a local church. “It’s about what we’re becoming as a society—where disputes are settled with bullets instead of words, where a night out ends in a mother burying her son.”
Some are calling for enhanced lighting, increased police presence in nightlife areas, and city-sponsored initiatives that bring together police, businesses, and the public in proactive dialogue. Others emphasize the need for mental health resources and conflict resolution programs, especially for at-risk youth.
A Call for Justice and Reflection
The family of Derrick Maye is pleading for answers—and for help. In addition to the police investigation, they are asking anyone with knowledge of what happened that morning to come forward, regardless of how small the detail might seem.
“We want people to know that Derrick mattered,” said cousin Angela Maye, who has helped organize the memorial site. “He had dreams. He had people who loved him. We need to find out who did this, not just for our family, but for the whole community.”
In a community still grappling with the aftermath of tragedy, the pain is raw—but so is the hope for justice. As the investigation continues and the city searches for healing, one name remains on everyone’s lips: Derrick Maye—a man whose life was cut short, but whose impact will not be forgotten.
Moving Forward: What Comes Next?
In the coming days, the Goldsboro Police Department is expected to release more information about the shooting as their investigation progresses. Surveillance footage may help provide vital leads, and the department is working closely with other agencies to track any known suspects or persons of interest.
In the meantime, Summer Nights has issued a statement of condolences to Maye’s family and has committed to cooperating fully with the investigation. They also announced they will host a candlelight vigil later this week in partnership with local community organizations.
As Goldsboro mourns, it also mobilizes—with neighbors checking in on one another, religious leaders offering spaces for grief and support, and city officials discussing policies to improve safety during high-traffic nightlife hours.
The memory of Derrick Maye now serves as both a symbol of what was lost and a clarion call to action. In the days to come, it will be up to the community—residents, law enforcement, and leaders alike—to ensure that his death is not just another statistic, but a turning point toward a safer, more compassionate Goldsboro.
Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact the Goldsboro Police Department at (919) 705-6572 or submit a tip anonymously to Wayne County Crime Stoppers at (919) 735-2255.