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Two men arrested in shooting death of toddler in New Bern two years ago

PRE News & Ideas | By Annette Weston
Published August 15, 2025 at 6:45 AM EDT
Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes and New Bern Police Chief Patrick Gallagher speak at a press conference at Abundant Life Church, updating the community about the search for Nia’ Loni Sheptock’s killer.
New Bern Police Department
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Screen shot of press conference
File: Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes and New Bern Police Chief Patrick Gallagher speak at a press conference at Abundant Life Church, updating the community about the search for Nia’ Loni Sheptock’s killer.

Two men have been arrested in the shooting death of a toddler in New Bern two years ago.

On July 4, 2023, 19-month-old Nia'Loni Sheptock and her father, 20-year-old Nathan Sheptock, were found with gunshot wounds in a vehicle on La Grange Street.

Nathan was treated and released but the toddler died at the hospital the following day.

After a lengthy investigation that also included the Craven County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI, Kiyveon Pitts and Lawrence Everett have been arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder.

Kiyveon Pitts and Lawrence Everett have been arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder.
New Bern Police Department
Kiyveon Pitts and Lawrence Everett have been arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder.

Investigators determined the shooting was gang-related and not a random act of violence.

Police Chief Patrick Gallagher said the arrests can’t undo the tragic loss of Nia’Loni Sheptock, but the department hopes they reaffirm a commitment to justice and deter future violence.
Annette Weston
Annette is originally a Midwest gal, born and raised in Michigan, but with career stops in many surrounding states, the Pacific Northwest, and various parts of the southeast. An award-winning journalist and mother of four, Annette moved to eastern North Carolina in 2019 to be closer to family – in particular, her two young grandchildren. It’s possible that a -27 day with a -68 windchill in Minnesota may have also played a role in that decision. In her spare time, Annette does a lot of kiddo cuddling, reading, and producing the coolest Halloween costumes anyone has ever seen. She has also worked as a diversity and inclusion facilitator serving school districts and large corporations. It’s the people that make this beautiful area special, and she wants to share those stories that touch the hearts of others. If you have a story idea to share, please reach out by email to westona@cravencc.edu.
See stories by Annette Weston