Rocky Mount, NC – A fatal shooting claimed the life of a 39-year-old man in the early hours of Sunday, September 15, 2024, following a heated altercation at a local motel. The incident, which unfolded at Hal Orr’s Inn on the 2400 block of North Wesleyan Boulevard, has left the Rocky Mount community reeling as authorities work to uncover the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
According to the Rocky Mount Police Department, officers responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 1:04 AM. Upon arrival, they discovered that a verbal dispute between individuals at the motel had escalated into deadly violence. Preliminary reports indicate that the confrontation intensified to a point where one of the parties involved produced a firearm, fatally shooting the victim.
The deceased has been identified as Mack Jenkins, a 39-year-old man. Despite the best efforts of emergency medical personnel, Jenkins succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to a nearby medical facility located at 400 Saint Paul Street.
Mack Jenkins’ tragic death marks yet another instance of violence that has marred the Rocky Mount area in recent months. The city, known for its close-knit community, has been grappling with a rise in violent incidents, creating a sense of unease among residents. Sunday’s incident, however, has shocked many due to its location in a public motel, heightening concerns about public safety.
Hal Orr’s Inn, where the shooting took place, is a well-known establishment located along one of Rocky Mount’s busiest thoroughfares. Typically frequented by travelers and residents alike, the motel has gained a reputation for being a budget-friendly stopover for those passing through the city. However, in recent years, some locals have expressed concerns about increased criminal activity in the area. It remains unclear whether the motel had prior security incidents, but it now finds itself at the center of a homicide investigation.
In the hours following the shooting, the Rocky Mount Police Department initiated a homicide investigation. Authorities are working to piece together the exact details of the altercation that led to Jenkins’ death, including the identities of all those involved. No suspects have been named at this stage, but detectives are actively pursuing leads.
Law enforcement officials have asked the public for assistance, urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. “We are calling on anyone who may have witnessed the events leading up to the shooting or who may have information that could help with our investigation to contact us,” a police spokesperson said in a public statement. The department is requesting individuals with knowledge of the incident to contact them directly at 252-972-1411, assuring potential witnesses that their confidentiality will be respected.
Jenkins’ death is a reminder of the broader issue of gun violence that has plagued the city of Rocky Mount and its surrounding areas. In recent years, the city has witnessed an uptick in violent crime, a trend that mirrors similar increases in other mid-sized cities across the United States. According to FBI data, violent crime rates in Rocky Mount saw a notable rise in 2022 and 2023, with gun-related incidents accounting for a significant portion of that increase.
Local officials and community leaders have voiced their concerns over the ongoing violence. In response to previous incidents, Rocky Mount has already taken steps to address crime, including increasing police patrols in high-risk areas and implementing community outreach programs aimed at preventing youth from turning to crime. However, Sunday’s shooting suggests that more work remains to be done.
In the wake of Jenkins’ death, members of the Rocky Mount community have expressed a mix of sorrow and frustration. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of condolence to the victim’s family, while others have called for stronger action to combat the rise in violence. “We need to come together as a community to stop this senseless violence,” one resident posted on Facebook. “Too many lives have been lost, and it’s time for all of us to take a stand.”
Local religious leaders and activists have also begun organizing a vigil to honor Jenkins’ memory and to call for peace in the community. The event is expected to take place in the coming days, with organizers planning to use it as a platform to promote unity and healing.
As the investigation continues, Mack Jenkins’ death serves as a painful reminder of the urgent need to address gun violence and its devastating impact on families and communities. While law enforcement works to bring those responsible for Sunday’s tragedy to justice, the broader question remains—how can Rocky Mount stem the tide of violence before more lives are lost?
For now, the Rocky Mount Police Department remains focused on solving this case and ensuring that Jenkins’ death is not in vain.