Tragedy struck in Rocky Mount last Thursday evening when Jaime De La Fuente, a 58-year-old man identified as the father of a local Rocky Mount police officer, was fatally shot at Sunset Park. Officers responded to the shooting call just after 5:30 p.m. and upon arrival, found De La Fuente inside a vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds. De La Fuente was rushed to UNC Nash Hospital but succumbed to his injuries, ABC11 reports.
The suspect, 47-year-old Calvin Conyers, fled the scene on foot to Chico's Mexican Restaurant, according to police statements. In an attempt to escape, Conyers tried a carjack a vehicle in the restaurant parking lot, which had a woman and child inside, before injuring himself with a self-inflicted gunshot. Conyers was listed in critical condition at a hospital. A fourth individual was also found with non-life-threatening injuries related to the incident, confirmed by Rocky Mount Police and WRAL.
Authorities have charged Conyers with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and two counts of second-degree kidnapping. Rocky Mount Police have stated the shooting appears to be an isolated incident, stressing there was no immediate public threat in the aftermath. The community has been asked for assistance in the case; details can be provided to the Rocky Mount Police Department, as CBS17 reports.
This shooting has cast a somber light over the community, which is still reeling from another recent tragedy— a double homicide on July 13 that claimed the lives of a 19-year-old and a 20-year-old in Rocky Mount. Isaiah Spragley, an 18-year-old, was arrested in connection to that incident and charged with first-degree murder and is being held at the Edgecombe County Detention Center with no bond, adds ABC11. The Rocky Mount Police Department has urged anyone with information to step forward and offer any insight that may aid in present investigations.
