Authorities are investigating a targeted shooting in Plymouth that claimed the life of a father of 11 who reportedly died while shielding his infant son from gunfire.
Devonelle Brimage, 36, was pronounced dead at the scene in the early hours of April 2 after a parked vehicle he was occupying was riddled with bullets. The incident occurred in a driveway on Latham Avenue at approximately 1:34 a.m., according to the Plymouth Police Department.
Police Chief Louis Banks confirmed that officers arrived to find Brimage unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds. Inside the vehicle with Brimage were Avione Linquad Webb, 38, and Brimage’s 8-month-old child.
The infant’s mother and local law enforcement officials report that Brimage was holding the child when the shooting began. While Brimage succumbed to his injuries, the infant sustained only “non-life-threatening” injuries. The child was treated at Washington Regional Medical Center and has since been released.
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The second adult victim, Webb, also suffered gunshot wounds and was subsequently transferred to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville for specialized treatment. His current condition has not been made public by hospital officials or investigators.
The Plymouth Police Department has not yet identified a suspect or a motive for the attack. As of April 14, the case remains an active investigation. Investigative units are currently processing forensic evidence gathered from the vehicle and the residence where Brimage lived.
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Family members and the local community have characterized Brimage’s final moments as an act of selfless bravery. A fundraiser established to support his 11 children states that Brimage used his own body to shield the 8-month-old from the barrage of bullets.
“In his final moments, he showed incredible courage and love—using his own body to shield and protect his 8-month-old baby,” the family stated.
This shooting marks a significant escalation of violence in the Plymouth area. Local authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the Latham Avenue shooting to contact the Plymouth Police Department or local crime stoppers.
