Two men killed minutes apart in Rocky Mount shootings

Police say that at approximately 1:52 p.m., they responded to an incident in the 1000 block of Branch St. When officers arrived, they located the victim, 27-year-old Markelius Chambers, with an apparent gunshot wound.

Officers began life-saving measures until EMS arrived and transported Chambers to UNC Nash Healthcare, where Chambers succumbed to his injuries.

Chambers’ family spoke with WRAL Thursday might and said that the violence across Rocky Mount has to stop.

His sister, Nytanyan Murphy, said she tried to keep her brother alive long enough for help to arrive.

“He was on a bike right there at the corner," Murphy said. "He was on the corner and he came through this way, rolled down the window, and pop ... shot him.”

Jamir Davis, Chambers’ nephew, saw the whole thing happen.

“Me and my aunt we were right there," Davis said. "And they shot our uncle, they were going to shoot again, and we were right there until we ran into the house.”

Just minutes later at approximately 2:06 p.m., Rocky Mount police responded to a shooting with in the 100 block of Challenge Ct. Officers arrived to find Sherman Whitaker, 45, with an apparent gunshot wound.

Whitaker was pronounced deceased at the scene. Both incidents are active, on-going investigations.

Anyone with information about this incident, please contact the Rocky Mount Police Department at 252-972-1411, Twin County Crime Stoppers at 252-977-1111, or Text-A-Tip (Text RMPOL) and your message to CRIMES (274637). Your text is entirely anonymous.