Calvin Carlyle Kennion, Latoya Marie Smith Killed in Domestic-Related Shooting in Lenoir County, Ross Jovian Smith Charged with Two Counts of First-Degree Murder
Lenoir County, North Carolina – A violent domestic-related shooting has resulted in the tragic deaths of two individuals in Lenoir County, prompting the authorities to upgrade charges against the suspect to include two counts of first-degree murder. The shooting occurred on May 2, 2025, in a quiet residential neighborhood, sending shockwaves through the community as details of the brutal crime slowly emerged.
At the center of the tragedy are the names of the victims: Latoya Marie Smith, 33, a woman who was fatally shot in her own home, and Calvin Carlyle Kennion, 24, who later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. Both lives were taken in a heinous act of violence that has shaken the community to its core. The suspected shooter, Ross Jovian Smith, 35, Latoya Smith’s estranged husband, was arrested after a massive manhunt and is now facing serious charges that will shape the legal process in the coming months.
The Unfolding of Tragedy: What Happened on the Morning of May 2, 2025?
The events that led to the shooting began early in the morning on May 2, 2025, shortly after 8:30 a.m. when Ross Jovian Smith arrived at a residence located on the 100 block of Carl Ball Lane in Lenoir County. Authorities believe that Smith’s actions were the result of an ongoing domestic dispute, although the full motive for the shooting has yet to be determined. At this point, investigators have not ruled out the possibility of an argument or confrontation escalating into deadly violence.
According to the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office, Ross Smith forcibly entered the home where his estranged wife, Latoya Marie Smith, and Calvin Carlyle Kennion were inside. Investigators allege that Smith, who had a tumultuous history with Latoya Smith, immediately opened fire on both victims. Latoya Smith was fatally shot and was pronounced dead at the scene. Calvin Carlyle Kennion, who was also in the home during the shooting, was critically injured in the attack.
Kennion, despite being severely injured, managed to survive long enough to be airlifted to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, where he received immediate medical attention. Unfortunately, he was unable to overcome his wounds and passed away from his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital. His death led to the upgrade of charges against Ross Smith to two counts of first-degree murder.
While the violence was concentrated on the victims, another life was also impacted by the attack. A dog that was present in the home during the shooting was also struck by gunfire. Miraculously, the dog survived, though it sustained injuries. The authorities have added an additional charge of felony animal cruelty to the list of crimes Smith faces, as the abuse of an animal is taken very seriously under North Carolina law.
The Manhunt for Ross Smith
Following the shooting, Ross Smith fled the scene in a black Chrysler sedan, igniting a search across Lenoir County. The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office, working in collaboration with the Kinston Police Department, quickly began efforts to locate the suspect. At approximately 10:00 a.m., authorities discovered the abandoned black Chrysler sedan on the 1400 block of Stroud Avenue in Kinston. Smith, however, was not inside the vehicle.
With the clock ticking and the manhunt intensifying, law enforcement officials ramped up their search efforts. The hunt stretched into nearby Pitt County, where Smith was eventually located. At approximately 11:30 a.m., authorities apprehended Ross Smith without incident near the intersection of N.C. 903 and N.C. 11 in Pitt County. The suspect was taken into custody, and investigators wasted no time in beginning the process of formally charging him for his alleged role in the violent killings.
Ross Smith’s Charges and Legal Proceedings
As of now, Ross Jovian Smith is being held at the Lenoir County Detention Center without bond. He faces a series of serious charges stemming from the May 2 shooting, which include:
- Two Counts of First-Degree Murder: For the tragic deaths of Latoya Marie Smith and Calvin Carlyle Kennion, both of whom were killed in the domestic-related attack.
- One Count of Attempted First-Degree Murder: For the critical injuries sustained by Calvin Carlyle Kennion, which ultimately resulted in his death.
- Felony Breaking and Entering: For forcibly entering the residence on Carl Ball Lane, a crime that served as the gateway to the deadly violence.
- Felony Animal Cruelty: For the injuries inflicted on a dog that was present in the home at the time of the shooting.
Authorities have indicated that additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues to unfold. As of yet, Ross Smith has not appeared before a magistrate to enter a plea, and his court proceedings will be closely monitored in the weeks and months to come.
The Victims: Latoya Marie Smith and Calvin Carlyle Kennion
The victims of this devastating crime, Latoya Marie Smith and Calvin Carlyle Kennion, were not simply statistics in a police report. They were individuals with their own lives, dreams, and loved ones.
Latoya Marie Smith, 33, was the wife of Ross Smith and was tragically killed in her own home. Described by those who knew her as a kind and loving person, Latoya was a woman who was working to rebuild her life after a troubled marriage. Those close to her mourn the loss of a vibrant woman with so much potential, taken far too soon.
Calvin Carlyle Kennion, 24, was not only a victim but also a hero in his own right. He had a reputation as a caring friend and a supportive individual, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. Though his life was cut short by the violence of that morning, those who knew him are finding comfort in the memory of the man he was.
The tragic deaths of both victims have left a void in the hearts of their families and communities. As investigations continue, loved ones are left to cope with the loss of two people who meant so much to those around them. The community, meanwhile, is left grappling with the emotional fallout of this senseless act of violence.
Investigating the Motive: What Drove Ross Smith to Commit Such Violence?
The investigation into the motive behind this deadly shooting is ongoing, and authorities have not yet provided a clear picture of what led Ross Smith to take such extreme action. Domestic violence is often difficult to understand, as it can stem from complex factors, including emotional, psychological, and financial stressors. Investigators are working tirelessly to uncover any clues that might provide insight into the underlying reasons for this tragic incident.
The relationship between Ross Smith and Latoya Marie Smith had reportedly been tumultuous for some time, with various reports indicating that the couple had been estranged for a significant period before the shooting. It is unclear at this stage whether a specific argument or event triggered the violence, but authorities are exploring all potential leads to shed light on the factors that led to this domestic tragedy.
The Impact on the Community and the Aftermath
The impact of this tragic event has been felt deeply throughout the Lenoir County community. Local residents are shocked by the level of violence that unfolded in their neighborhood and are left grappling with the loss of two lives, both of which were taken under heartbreaking and senseless circumstances.
Law enforcement agencies, meanwhile, continue to work diligently to ensure justice is served in this case. The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office, Kinston Police Department, and other agencies involved in the search for Ross Smith are determined to follow through with the legal proceedings and ensure that the suspect is held accountable for his actions.
In the wake of this tragedy, many community members are calling for greater efforts to prevent domestic violence and provide support for victims of abuse. Advocacy groups, local leaders, and citizens are pushing for stronger resources and education surrounding domestic violence to prevent further incidents like this from occurring.
Moving Forward: Legal Proceedings and the Road to Justice
As the legal process continues, the families of Latoya Marie Smith and Calvin Carlyle Kennion will undoubtedly face a difficult road ahead. The emotional toll of losing loved ones in such a violent manner is something that will take time to heal. However, in the pursuit of justice, there is hope that the legal system will offer some degree of closure, even as the wounds of this tragic event may never fully heal.
For Ross Jovian Smith, the charges against him are severe, and if convicted, he faces significant prison time for the crimes he is alleged to have committed. The case will likely proceed to trial, and as the investigation continues, more details about the shooting may emerge, shedding further light on the full extent of the violence that unfolded that fateful morning.
In the meantime, authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward, as every piece of evidence can help bring clarity to what transpired in the hours leading up to the deaths of Latoya Marie Smith and Calvin Carlyle Kennion.
As this story unfolds, it serves as a sobering reminder of the deep and painful impact of domestic violence and the need for greater intervention and support systems to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
