Kinston man convicted of first-degree murder following 2021 shooting

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — On Friday, a Kinston man was convicted of first-degree murder after a three-week trial.

Jamal Terrel Griggs, 32, was convicted of first-degree murder, firing into an occupied vehicle in operations, and possession of a firearm by a felon by a New Hanover County jury.

The conviction is for the shooting death of Shelton Long in November of 2021.

Griggs now faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.

According to the DA’s office, Long was found dead on November 5, 2021, in the 4200 block of River Road in his vehicle after suffering from three gunshot wounds. Investigators determined he was shot the day prior and found three 9mm shell casings.

Witnesses came forward and said Long and Griggs had an interaction on November 4 at an apartment and after leaving Long reported he was being followed.

Surveillance footage of the pursuit matched a vehicle later linked with Griggs and cell site location data indicated that Griggs’ phone was at or near the crime scene at the time of the murder.

District Attorney Jason Smith said, “Justice has been a long time coming for the Long family, but it wasn’t denied. We are grateful to the jury for their verdict. Our office will continue to prioritize justice for victims like Shelton Long.”

The DA’s office said that Long’s mother was in the courtroom when the verdict was announced and she gave an emotional impact statement to the court.