Two arrested for murder after Rocky Mount man beaten to death

Darnell Battle was assaulted on the front porch of his family home on Jan. 5 by two men. On Friday, Dontarious Whitehead and Mark Lee Smith were arrested and charged with first degree murder.

Battle’s brother Brandon told WRAL he heard a fight outside their door here, and when he came outside he found his brother badly beaten, saying he couldn’t breathe.

Battle died from his injuries - and his mother has now lost two sons in just the past three months.

The investigation revealed Smith and Whitehead were attending a party at a home on Branch Street when they encountered Battle in the road in front of the home. Smith and Whitehead began to argue with Battle, which escalated into a fight. Minutes later, Battle died from his injuries.

Family members say Battle was a kind person, who dreamed of writing and publishing his own book one day; They never imagined they'd lose him like this.

Rocky Mount police said they were called to nearby Hargrove Street for a fight; When investigators arrived just before 8:30 p.m., they found Battle, who died at the scene.

Battle was found beaten on his family's front porch.

First responders tried to save him, but his injuries were too severe.

His brother said he saw two attackers run from the house towards the lot next door, still taped off for investigation Friday evening.

It's just the latest tragedy for this family. Darnell's older brother Antwan battle died in October after a stroke.

Their mother, Anita Davis, posted a message overnight saying, "I have to bury my second son."

The family is turning to GoFundMe for help with funeral expenses, writing "This is a tremendous weight on our family's shoulders."

The death accounted for Rocky Mount's first homicide of 2023.

Police are asking anyone with information to call the Rocky Mount Police Department at 252-972-1411, or Crimestoppers at 252-977-1111 for cash rewards, or Text-A-Tip (text RMPOL and your message to 274637).