NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT) — The New Bern Police Department (NBPD) in North Carolina has apprehended two suspects, Kiyveon Pitts and Lawrence Everett, in relation to the 2023 murder of 19-month-old Nia’Loni Sheptock.

Both individuals face charges of felony murder and attempted murder for the assault on her father, Nathan Sheptock.

Investigations by the NBPD, Craven County Sheriff’s Office, United States Attorney’s Office, and the FBI concluded that the shooting had gang affiliations and was not a random act of violence.

On Aug. 14, Everett was taken into custody in Johnson City at 5:45 a.m. and is set to be extradited to Craven County. Pitts was captured in the New Bern region at 10:30 a.m. and will remain in the Craven County Detention Center.

NBPD Chief Pat Gallagher stated, “While no arrest can reverse the tragic loss of Nia’Loni Sheptock, we hope these arrests reaffirm our commitment to justice and discourage future violence.” He emphasized that the NBPD and its partners are committed to both public safety and bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice.

A press release detailed that on July 4, 2023, at 9:51 p.m., NBPD officers were dispatched to a shooting incident on the 1000 block of Lagrange Street. They discovered 19-month-old Nia’Loni Sheptock and her 22-year-old father, Nathan Sheptock, suffering from gunshot wounds inside a vehicle.

They were taken to CarolinaEast Medical Center, where Mr. Sheptock received treatment and was released. Tragically, Nia’Loni died from her injuries the following day after being moved to ECU Health.