Toiya Smith and Calvin Kennin Fatally Shot in Lenoir County; Dog Injured as Estranged Husband Rois Smith Faces Double Murder and Animal Cruelty Charges in North Carolina Tragedy
LENOIR COUNTY, N.C. — What began as a quiet Sunday morning in eastern North Carolina shattered into horror when shots rang out at a residence in Lenoir County, leaving two people dead and a family pet wounded. Authorities say the violence was the result of domestic tensions that escalated to deadly force when 35-year-old Rois Smith allegedly broke into a home where his estranged wife, 33-year-old Toiya Smith, was staying and opened fire. Also struck in the gunfire was 24-year-old Calvin Kennin, a friend or possible relative of the family, who later died from his injuries. A dog, reportedly also present at the scene, suffered injuries in the shooting.
A Community in Shock
The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call reporting gunfire at approximately 7:30 a.m. on the morning of the incident. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a grisly scene—Toiya Smith was pronounced dead at the scene, while Calvin Kennin was found critically injured. Emergency medical responders rushed Kennin to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries later that day.
The dog, whose breed and condition have not been publicly disclosed, was treated for gunshot wounds by emergency veterinary services and is expected to survive.
The suspected shooter, Rois Smith, had fled the scene by the time law enforcement arrived. A multi-agency manhunt began almost immediately, with alerts issued across county lines. Smith was eventually apprehended later that day in neighboring Pitt County. He is now in custody facing an array of serious charges: two counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted murder, breaking and entering, and felony animal cruelty.
Victims Remembered: A Mother, A Young Man, and a Companion Animal
Friends and family have begun mourning the loss of Toiya Smith and Calvin Kennin, both of whom are being remembered for their warmth, generosity, and kindness.
Toiya Smith, a mother of two, was in the process of divorcing Rois Smith and had reportedly moved to the Lenoir County residence as part of an effort to create space and safety for herself and her children. Known among friends as “a beautiful spirit with a contagious smile,” Toiya had worked in healthcare for over a decade and was admired for her compassion and tireless support of others.
“She loved fiercely and unconditionally,” said Michelle Harper, a longtime friend of Toiya. “She wanted a fresh start and was working toward that. She did everything for her kids.”
Calvin Kennin, only 24 years old, had his life cut short in what law enforcement officials are calling a senseless act of violence. While officials have not released full details about Kennin’s relationship to either of the Smiths, local reports suggest that he may have been staying at the house temporarily, possibly to support Toiya during her separation.
“He was kind and soft-spoken,” said a neighbor, who asked not to be named. “He was always willing to help people. It’s hard to believe he’s gone.”
The injured dog—while perhaps overlooked in the broader tragedy—was described by one law enforcement officer as “clearly traumatized but stable.”
“Even the animals weren’t spared,” said Sheriff Ronnie Ingram at a press briefing. “That tells you the level of violence we’re dealing with.”
Timeline of the Tragedy
Prior to the Shooting:
Reports indicate that Rois Smith and Toiya Smith had been separated for several months and that Toiya had expressed concerns about her safety in recent weeks. Protective orders are being examined to determine whether any were in place or recently requested.
Neighbors report hearing arguments and disturbances in the weeks leading up to the shooting, although police records from the address show no formal calls for service during that time.
Morning of the Incident (Approx. 7:30 a.m.):
Gunshots are heard by residents along the 4000 block of [Street Name Withheld Pending Confirmation]. Several calls are placed to 911. Law enforcement arrives within minutes to find Toiya deceased, Calvin critically injured, and a dog bleeding from an apparent gunshot wound.
Late Morning:
A BOLO (Be On the Lookout) alert is issued for Rois Smith. Witnesses report seeing a man matching his description fleeing in a dark SUV. Pitt County Sheriff’s Office joins the search.
Afternoon:
Smith is found and apprehended in Pitt County without incident. Authorities report that he was in possession of a firearm, which has since been taken into evidence and will undergo forensic analysis.
Evening:
Formal charges are filed, and Smith is booked into the Pitt County Detention Center.
Legal Ramifications and Next Steps
Smith now faces the possibility of life in prison or the death penalty under North Carolina law, should prosecutors choose to pursue it. First-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole in the state, and under certain aggravating circumstances, can qualify for capital punishment.
Lenoir County District Attorney Matthew Delbridge held a press conference following Smith’s arrest.
“This is a profoundly tragic case of domestic violence and gun violence intersecting in the most devastating way,” Delbridge said. “Our office will pursue justice vigorously on behalf of the victims, including the innocent animal injured in this senseless act.”
Smith is expected to appear in court for a bond hearing later this week. As of now, he is being held without bail.
Domestic Violence in North Carolina: A Deadly Pattern
The murder of Toiya Smith adds to a growing list of domestic violence homicides in North Carolina, where such cases have seen a troubling increase over the past decade.
According to the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCCADV), more than 60 domestic violence-related homicides were recorded in 2024 alone. In many of these cases, women attempting to leave abusive relationships were the primary targets.
Experts say the period immediately after a separation or divorce is statistically the most dangerous time for victims.
“Leaving an abuser is one of the most high-risk times in a victim’s life,” said Dr. Angela Moore, a domestic violence counselor based in Raleigh. “We need better systems of support and intervention, because too often, the help comes too late.”
Toiya Smith had reportedly been seeking counseling and support from local advocacy groups. Whether she had officially filed for a restraining order or divorce is still being reviewed by authorities.
Calls for Justice and Reform
The murders of Toiya and Calvin have sparked calls for greater action on domestic violence and gun control. Several local leaders and advocacy groups held a vigil outside the Lenoir County courthouse on Tuesday evening. Candles lit the steps of the building as family members spoke about the lives lost and the need for systemic change.
“Toiya was trying to break free,” said her cousin, Jasmine Smith. “And she was killed for it. We want justice, but we also want to make sure this doesn’t keep happening to other families.”
Animal rights activists have also joined the conversation, emphasizing that violence against animals is often a precursor to or extension of violence against humans.
“Animal cruelty in domestic violence cases is more common than people realize,” said Tara Wilson of the North Carolina SPCA. “It’s part of the same cycle of power, control, and harm.”
Conclusion
The shooting that took the lives of Toiya Smith and Calvin Kennin has left a lasting scar on Lenoir County. The violent loss of life, the trauma to a beloved pet, and the alleged actions of a man once considered family have shocked a community and underscored deep, systemic challenges around domestic violence, mental health, and gun access.
As Rois Smith awaits trial, the families of the victims now begin a long journey toward healing and justice. Their stories, and the lives they lived before they were taken, are now part of a broader conversation that North Carolina—and the country—can no longer afford to ignore.
