Well-known Rocky Mount activist shot to death in his driveway

The Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office responded to the home in the 3000 block of Old Battleboro Road at about 6:45 a.m. after someone called to report seeing something unusual.

The body of Johnny Cunningham, 60, was found next to his truck. He had been shot several times.

Investigators said they didn't know when he was shot but said it was likely in the last 24 hours.

The death doesn't appear to be connected to a robbery, authorities said, but they said they weren't sure of the motive for the shooting.

Authorities said they have a person of interest in the case, but no arrests had been made as of Thursday evening.

Cunningham was a well-known activist who frequently spoke about the need for more affordable housing and other issues at Rocky Mount City Council meetings.

"He said [those] were the same hands that he did crimes with, but for the rest of his life, [he would say], 'God, make my hands be able to change lives,'" Williams said. "Certainly, his craftsmanship through his hands certainly changed lives."