The Kinston community is mourning the tragic loss of 52-year-old Darryl Dudley, a devoted father, grandfather, and beloved family man who was fatally shot late Thursday night at his home on East Bright Street.
Authorities confirmed that Dudley was killed in the shooting, which has left both family members and neighbors in shock. The incident is under active investigation, with police urging anyone with information to come forward.
For those who knew him best, Darryl was far more than a victim—he was a pillar of love and laughter. A proud father of five children and a grandfather of five grandchildren, he was eagerly awaiting the birth of twin grandchildren that would have made him a grandfather of seven. His daughter, Yazenia, described him as her “strength during difficult times,” a man whose support and presence carried her through life’s toughest moments.
Family gatherings will never be the same without him. Relatives recall Darryl as the center of attention, the one who could brighten any room. His cousin, Nydra Wilkes, remembered him as more than just family—“He was like a father to me, the life of the party, and the family comedian. There was never a dull moment when Darryl was around.”
Loved ones emphasized that Dudley was not someone involved in violence or conflict, making the senseless nature of his death even harder to understand. His sudden passing has left behind an irreplaceable void, one that will be felt not only by his children and grandchildren but by the entire community that cherished him.
As Kinston continues to grapple with the loss, Darryl’s family is determined to keep his memory alive—through shared stories, laughter, and the love he gave so freely. They remember him not for the way his life ended, but for the joy, warmth, and unwavering devotion he brought to everyone around him.