Greenville Police Investigating Overnight Shooting That Injured Two Children: Victims Identified as 7-Year-Old and 12-Year-Old Boys
Greenville, N.C. — The Greenville Police Department has launched an intensive investigation into a disturbing overnight shooting incident that injured two young children. The victims, a 7-year-old boy and a 12-year-old boy, were asleep in their residence at 900 A Masters Lane when gunfire struck their home at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 12, 2025. The children sustained injuries after multiple shots were fired at their apartment, causing widespread concern in the community.
At the scene, officers found the 7-year-old boy suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his ankle. Emergency medical services immediately transported him to a local hospital for treatment. His injuries were reportedly serious but not life-threatening. The 12-year-old boy, who was also in the apartment at the time of the shooting, was found with a bullet graze wound. Fortunately, his injuries were minor, and EMS personnel were able to treat him at the scene without the need for hospitalization.
Initial investigations suggest that the children were in their home, sound asleep, when the gunfire erupted from outside the apartment, sending bullets into their residence. Authorities confirmed that numerous shell casings were found scattered around the scene, indicating that multiple shots had been fired in quick succession. Despite the violence, the children’s injuries were the only reported casualties. Police also found no damage to surrounding apartments, leaving the investigation to focus on the precise origin and intention behind the attack.
A Shocking Attack: The Wounding of Two Innocent Children
In the wake of the shooting, the police department, led by Interim Chief of Police Richard Tyndall, emphasized the severity of the situation. Chief Tyndall described the attack as “senseless” and underscored the horror of such violence impacting children in the supposed safety of their own home. “This was a senseless act of violence that endangered innocent children in the safety of their own home,” said Chief Tyndall. “The Greenville Police Department will not tolerate this kind of reckless disregard for human life. We are fully committed to bringing those responsible to justice, and this case will remain a top priority for our investigators.”
The incident has shaken the local community, as families in Greenville are left grappling with the reality of such a violent attack on young children in their neighborhood. Many residents have voiced concerns over their safety, prompting public calls for heightened vigilance and support from law enforcement. Authorities, for their part, have assured the public that they are working diligently to investigate the incident, with resources already allocated to finding and apprehending the perpetrators.
At this time, police have not released any information regarding possible suspects, and they are still working to piece together the details of the event. No clear motive has been established, and investigators are continuing to comb through evidence in search of clues that could lead them to those responsible. This includes a review of nearby surveillance footage, witness statements, and ballistic evidence from the scene.
A Call for Public Assistance and the Role of the Community
As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement officials have called upon the community for assistance. They urge anyone who may have seen anything unusual in the area around the time of the shooting or who may have any relevant information to come forward. The police have set up multiple ways for the public to provide tips, including anonymous submissions through Pitt-Greenville Crimestoppers. The police department’s hotline, 252-329-4300, remains open for anyone with information, while Crimestoppers can be reached at 252-758-7777 for anonymous tips.
“We are relying on the eyes and ears of the community to help us piece together what happened,” Chief Tyndall remarked. “No piece of information is too small; if you know something that could assist in this investigation, we encourage you to come forward. These children were the victims of a crime that should never have happened, and we need the public’s help to bring justice to them and their families.”
The call for information highlights the importance of community involvement in solving crimes, particularly in incidents involving children, where the impact on the family and neighborhood is profound. The authorities are hopeful that by working closely with residents and local organizations, they will be able to identify those responsible for this heinous act.
Law Enforcement Response: Ensuring Public Safety in Greenville
In response to the shooting, local law enforcement agencies, including the Greenville Police Department and other supporting agencies, have ramped up patrols and security measures throughout the city. Chief Tyndall reassured the community that the police department is doing everything possible to ensure public safety while continuing to focus on the investigation.
“We understand that these types of events create fear and uncertainty, especially when they involve children,” Chief Tyndall stated. “We want to reassure our citizens that their safety is our top priority, and we are working around the clock to bring those responsible to justice.”
In addition to providing updates on the investigation, the police department has been in communication with local community leaders and organizations to foster trust and encourage residents to report any suspicious activities in their neighborhoods. This proactive approach aims to enhance community safety while ensuring that future incidents like this one do not occur.
A Broader Reflection on Gun Violence in America
The Greenville shooting incident has sparked broader discussions about gun violence and the safety of children in the United States. While the investigation is still ongoing, this incident serves as a reminder of the rising concerns over gun-related violence in many communities across the country. The random nature of the attack and the vulnerability of the victims, children who were asleep in their own home, highlight the need for comprehensive measures to address gun violence, protect innocent lives, and ensure that children can grow up in environments free from fear and harm.
Many experts on gun violence have stressed the importance of implementing stronger gun control measures to reduce the frequency of such incidents. Advocates for gun reform have long called for stricter background checks, better regulation of firearms, and stronger enforcement of laws designed to prevent gun violence. While the specifics of the Greenville shooting have yet to be fully revealed, the incident has already spurred conversations about how the legal system can work to prevent such tragedies and hold those who commit acts of violence accountable.
Furthermore, mental health professionals and child advocacy groups have underscored the long-term psychological impact that such events can have on young victims. While the physical wounds of the 7-year-old and 12-year-old boys are expected to heal, the trauma from the shooting may linger for years. These organizations stress the need for ongoing support and counseling for the children involved, as well as for their families, to help them process the shock and fear they have experienced.
The Community Comes Together
In the days following the incident, local leaders and organizations have rallied around the families of the victims. Various community groups have organized fundraising efforts to support the children’s medical expenses and help their families recover from the emotional toll of the incident. Additionally, neighborhood watch programs have gained renewed attention, with more residents expressing their willingness to work with law enforcement to prevent similar events in the future.
The incident has united the community in a collective effort to ensure that such violence does not become a regular occurrence. Many residents are now calling for stronger partnerships between local law enforcement, schools, and civic organizations to foster a safer environment for children and families. The hope is that, through collaboration, Greenville can become a model for other cities in addressing gun violence and providing support to victims and their families.
The Importance of Vigilance and Action
The shooting that left a 7-year-old boy and a 12-year-old boy injured is a tragic reminder of the ever-present threat of gun violence. However, it also serves as an important call to action. In order to prevent similar incidents in the future, it is critical for both law enforcement and the community to remain vigilant, engaged, and proactive. By working together, they can identify solutions that address the root causes of gun violence and prevent senseless tragedies like this one from happening again.
The investigation into the shooting on Masters Lane is ongoing, and updates will continue to be provided as more information becomes available. Law enforcement officials remain committed to finding the perpetrators and bringing them to justice, ensuring that the two young victims—along with their families and the Greenville community—can begin the healing process. The ultimate goal is to bring peace and safety back to a community rocked by violence and to ensure that children can sleep peacefully in their homes without the fear of harm.
