In a troubling series of violent incidents, Rocky Mount, North Carolina, became the site of three separate shootings over the weekend, including a double homicide that claimed the lives of two young adults, and two other aggravated assaults. While authorities have stressed that the events appear to be unrelated, the wave of violence has rocked the local community, leaving residents in fear and mourning the loss of lives.
The Rocky Mount Police Department is currently investigating these incidents, which occurred over a span of just two days. The fatal shootings of Ryo Steele and La’ren Dickens, both in their late teens and early twenties, have left families grieving, and the community questioning what steps can be taken to reduce gun violence in their neighborhoods.
Authorities have confirmed that both victims were pronounced dead at the scene after being found with gunshot wounds in the 800 block of Virginia Street early Sunday morning. However, at this stage, no suspects have been named, and the police have not released a clear motive for the killings.
Additionally, police are investigating two aggravated assaults that occurred earlier on Saturday and Sunday, which, while not connected to the homicides, have also raised concerns about safety in the area.
This article delves into the three incidents that have shocked Rocky Mount, the impact on the community, the ongoing investigation, and what steps authorities are taking to address gun violence in the area.
The Double Homicide: Ryo Steele and La’ren Dickens
The most devastating of the three incidents occurred in the early hours of Sunday, July 6, 2025, when Ryo Steele, 19, and La’ren Dickens, 20, were tragically shot and killed on Virginia Street in Rocky Mount. The two victims were pronounced dead at the scene after being found with gunshot wounds at approximately 3:00 a.m..
Rocky Mount police officers responded to the call, only to arrive at a scene of confusion and horror. The authorities confirmed that no suspects had been identified and no motive had yet been determined for the shooting. The investigation into the deaths of Steele and Dickens is currently ongoing, with authorities reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing potential witnesses, and analyzing forensic evidence.
Neighbors of the victims described them as being “bright young people,” with several local community members taking to social media to express their shock and sadness. The deaths of Ryo Steele and La’ren Dickens have deeply affected those who knew them, leaving the families devastated and searching for answers.
Local residents, concerned about their safety and the increasing violence, have expressed frustration with the lack of progress on similar shootings in the past. The city of Rocky Mount has been grappling with rising crime rates in recent months, and these recent events have only heightened fears in the community.
A Community in Mourning
The sudden deaths of two young people have left a large hole in the community. Ryo Steele’s and La’ren Dickens’ families are receiving an outpouring of support from local organizations, but the grief is overwhelming. Many of their peers have taken to social media to remember the victims, and messages of condolences have flooded in from friends, family, and well-wishers.
It is important to note that, in incidents like this, communities often come together to share memories, provide emotional support, and advocate for better solutions to curb violent crime. However, as the families mourn the loss of their loved ones, they are also pushing for justice to be served.
Aggravated Assaults: Additional Violence in the Community
While the double homicide remains the most significant case, two other incidents also occurred over the weekend, adding to the fears of residents in the area.
Saturday evening, just hours before the shooting on Virginia Street, police responded to a gunfire incident in the parking lot of Buffalo Wild Wings on Ring Road at around 8:50 p.m.. The initial reports indicated that a man with a graze wound was found on South Franklin Street shortly after. Emergency medical personnel treated the victim at the scene, but he declined transportation to the hospital. This individual has not been named, and his refusal to cooperate with police complicates the investigation.
As police continued to search for clues, they were then called to another shooting early Sunday morning, just minutes after the double homicide on Virginia Street. At around 3:00 a.m., law enforcement responded to West Raleigh Boulevard, where a victim was found shot. The person was taken to the hospital for treatment, but no information has been provided regarding the victim’s condition or any further details of the incident.
Both incidents appear to be isolated and unrelated to the Virginia Street double homicide, but the simultaneous occurrence of multiple violent incidents has only increased the fear and unease in Rocky Mount. Authorities are actively investigating all three cases, and Rocky Mount Police Chief has urged the community to remain calm while law enforcement works to piece together what happened.
The Role of Gun Violence in the Community
The three violent incidents in one weekend underscore the growing concern about gun violence in Rocky Mount. Local activists, concerned citizens, and community leaders have been calling for action to combat the increase in crime, particularly among younger individuals.
Gun violence in North Carolina, and particularly in Rocky Mount, has been steadily rising. According to statistics from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NC SBI), violent crimes involving firearms have surged by 12% over the last two years. Though this increase is part of a national trend, it has caused alarm among local residents and community leaders who are working to bring attention to the issue.
Local leaders have begun addressing the issue publicly, with some calling for stricter gun control measures, better community outreach programs, and more resources for mental health support, particularly for at-risk youth. One of the most pressing concerns is the use of firearms by teenagers and young adults, as these incidents have primarily involved people under the age of 30.
Rocky Mount city officials are seeking assistance from both state and federal agencies to address the ongoing violence. This includes better funding for local law enforcement, as well as initiatives aimed at improving community relations and youth engagement programs.
The Investigation and Search for Justice
As the investigations into the double homicide and the aggravated assaults continue, the Rocky Mount Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward. Police have issued anonymous crime tip lines and are seeking the public’s help in solving these cases.
The tragic loss of Ryo Steele and La’ren Dickens has been a catalyst for people to step forward with what they know, hoping to help bring closure to the families. The community is rallying behind the victims, with vigils, prayer services, and fundraisers planned for the coming days.
However, despite the police’s best efforts, the case remains complex, and detectives are piecing together evidence. With limited information on suspects or motives, investigators are reviewing everything from witness statements to surveillance footage to identify potential leads.
Authorities have been cautious about releasing details of the investigation as they gather more information. They also expressed their appreciation for the support and cooperation of the public, recognizing that community involvement is often crucial in cases like these.
Conclusion: Seeking Justice and Preventing Future Violence
The death of Ryo Steele and La’ren Dickens represents not only a tragic loss of young life but also highlights the growing concerns surrounding gun violence in Rocky Mount. With no suspects or motives identified in the Virginia Street double homicide, the community is left in a state of shock and uncertainty, but also hopeful for justice.
As the investigations unfold, authorities will continue to work tirelessly to solve these crimes and bring justice to the victims and their families. In the meantime, the community must come together to advocate for safer neighborhoods, stricter gun laws, and better resources for at-risk youth to prevent further violence.
The legacy of Ryo Steele and La’ren Dickens should not be defined solely by the way they tragically lost their lives, but also by the impact they had on their friends, families, and community. In the face of this heartbreaking tragedy, their memory will live on, motivating others to take action against gun violence and to foster a more peaceful environment for future generations.
The next steps for the police and community leaders will be critical in shaping the future of Rocky Mount.