Gangs Coverage

Gang violence could be behind shooting involving 4 young men

An 18-year-old was killed and three others were injured in a shooting in Sampson County. The Sampson County Sheriff's Office identified the victim as Tabias Darden.

Vigilantes battle gangs in Port-au-Prince as Haiti’s elites vie for power

Port-au-Prince, Haiti (CNN) — The wide road that passes in front of Haiti’s Toussaint Louverture International Airport has a post-apocalyptic stillness these days. Where cars and crowds of people once massed, only tendrils of smoke rise from smoldering piles of trash, sending a bitter taste into the air.

By Caitlin Stephen Hu, David Culver and Evelio Contreras, CNN

'It would shock people': Recently retired investigator offers insight into gangs in Raleigh area

"I would say probably in the last five to seven years, the majority of violent crime is linked [to gangs] somehow," a recently-retired gang investigator told WRAL News.

Sarah Krueger, WRAL Investigates reporter

Insider says most of Raleigh's violent crime can be linked to gangs

A recently retired gang investigator offers a rare look into the internationally connected and violent gangs operating out of local neighborhoods.

Organized crime group linked to series of car break-ins at local trails

A man accused of breaking into cars at popular trail parking lots may be connected to an organized crime group called the "Felony Lane Gang." WRAL's Eric Miller explains what else the man is accused of.

Autopsy shows motorcycle gang member was shot twice on New Year's Day

The autopsy report released Thursday for Jonas Padilla, 37, a member of the Pagan's Motorcycle Gang, showed he was shot in the chest and leg on Jan. 1, 2023.

Rocky Mount gang leader sentenced to 30 years in jail

A Rocky Mount gang leader was sentenced on Friday for his role in a drug trafficking operation as well as fraudulently obtaining more than $250,000 in COVID-19 relief funds.

Rocky Mount gang leader sentenced for drug trafficking, fraud

United States Attorney Michael Easley, along with representatives from the ATF, Rocky Mount police, and the Nash and Edgecombe Sheriffs' Offices announce the sentence of Tyrone Foreman, a Rocky Mount leader of the G-Shine Blood gang, who was convicted of drug trafficking fentanyl and COVID-19 pandemic relief fraud. Officials will also provide an update on the violent crime initiative launched last year in the Rocky Mount area.

NC gangs use social media, pretending to be 'public interest groups,' to lure kids

Gangs are using social media to draw youth in - telling young people they are "doing good in the community" by joining a gang. They'll even change up their name during recruitment so young people don't realize it's a gang.

Chelsea Donovan, WRAL Reporter

How NC gangs trick kids into joining

Gangs are using social media to draw youth in - telling young people they are "doing good in the community" by joining a gang. They'll even change up their name during recruitment so young people don't realize it's a gang.

Governor's Crime Commission meets on Thursday

Kids in gangs and crimes at schools -- the Governor's Crime Commission on Thursday will work to address those top concerns for parents and state safety leaders.

Pagan bike leader sentenced to 75 years in federal prison

The U.S. Attorney's Office on Friday presented new details about Christopher Baker, who they say is a motorcycle gang leader who lives in Wake County but is now headed to federal prison.

Leader of motorcycle gang will spend his life in federal prison for meth trafficking operation

The Raleigh-based leader of a national bike gang will spend the rest of his life in prison for trafficking massive amounts of methamphetamine and firearms across the East Coast.

WRAL staff

Expert talks 'rapid expansion' of outlaw motorcycle gangs in US

Midwest Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Investigators Association Executive Director Steve Cook discussed the expansion of motorcycle gangs. It comes after sources told WRAL Investigates about the role of motorcycle gangs in a New Year's Day shooting in Raleigh.

'Like organized crime on wheels': Expert details expansion of outlaw motorcycle gangs in US

Midwest Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Investigators Association Executive Director Steve Cook discussed the expansion of motorcycle gangs. It comes after sources told WRAL Investigates about the role of motorcycle gangs in a New Year's Day shooting in Raleigh.

WRAL Staff

Murder of Raleigh motorcyclist may be tied to gang activity, source says

Arrest warrants show Raleigh police have arrested five men in connection to the New Year's Day shooting death of a 37-year-old man.

Five men arrested in New Year's Day murder of Raleigh motorcyclist

Arrest warrants show Raleigh police have arrested five men in connection to the New Year's Day shooting death of a 37-year-old man.

Men charged in Raleigh murder involving rival motorcycle gangs appear in court

Five men charged with murder in connection to the New Year's Day shooting death of a 37-year-old man appeared in court Friday.

WRAL staff

Court documents show years-long FBI investigation into Durham gangs

The FBI is investigating gangs in Durham, according to new court documents from the sentencing of gang members for the death of a 9-year-old boy.

'We have a gang feud going on here in Durham': Court documents detail FBI's investigation into Durham gangs

The FBI is investigating gangs in Durham, according to new court documents from the sentencing of gang members for the death of a 9-year-old boy.

Monica Casey, WRAL Durham reporter

Local rapper found guilty of murdering 9-year-old Z'yon Person

Antonio Davenport was found guilty on all charges stemming from the Aug. 18, 2019, shooting of Z'yon Person.

Local rapper found guilty of murdering Z'yon Person in August 2019

Antonio Davenport was found guilty on all charges stemming from the Aug. 18, 2019, shooting of Z'yon Person.

Sarah Krueger, WRAL Durham reporter & Aaron Thomas, WRAL reporter

Citing 'collective malevolence' court upholds Raleigh gang leaders' life sentences

Gang-related murder, racketeering and drug trafficking charges were upheld for two Raleigh gang leaders on Thursday.

Raleigh church helps residents young and old transition out of gang life

A grant from PNC bank is giving teens and adults the chance to make a life for themselves away from crime and gang violence. Already more than 200 people have graduated from the program that started at a church in southeast Raleigh.

Report shows 34% of HS students in Durham reported gang activity at their school

The 2021 Durham County Gang Assessment found that 34% of high school students in Durham reported gang activity in their school in 2019.