AHOSKIE, NC — A normally quiet stretch of West Rogers Street in Ahoskie was shattered by violence Wednesday morning, leaving one man dead and another facing serious charges. The Hertford County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the shooting occurred in the early hours of January 28, 2026, following what police say began as a verbal argument between the suspect and the victim.
Officers responding to reports of gunfire discovered 48-year-old Corey Lamont Brown unresponsive at the scene. Emergency personnel pronounced him dead from an apparent gunshot wound. Investigators believe the incident was isolated, and there is no indication of additional threats to the neighborhood. Authorities emphasized that the community’s safety remains their top priority while the investigation continues.
The alleged shooter, 65-year-old Leandrew Vinson, remained at the scene and was taken into custody without incident. Vinson has been charged with first-degree murder and is currently being held without bond at the Hertford County Detention Center. Court officials have indicated that his first appearance in Hertford County District Court is forthcoming. Law enforcement continues to gather evidence and interview witnesses to determine the precise circumstances that led to the tragic event.
Residents in the area expressed shock and disbelief at the sudden violence. Many described the normally peaceful street as a tight-knit community where neighbors knew each other and children played outside safely. “It’s a neighborhood where people look out for one another, so to hear something like this happen so close to home is terrifying,” said one local resident.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting, including potential eyewitnesses or those with video footage, to contact the Ahoskie Police Department to assist in the investigation. Police officials emphasized the importance of community cooperation in helping them fully understand the events leading to the shooting.
The loss of Brown has left a profound impact on friends, family, and neighbors. Community leaders are calling for calm and solidarity while the legal process moves forward. As the investigation continues, the residents of Ahoskie are grappling with grief and the stark reminder of how quickly lives can be altered by violence.
This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the ongoing need for awareness, communication, and community vigilance to ensure neighborhoods remain safe spaces for all.