On September 29th, 2022, Rashawn Grant was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for a crime he DID NOT COMMIT that occurred in Rocky Mount, NC. 

Rashawn is a hard-working, loving, and devoted father, son, brother, husband, friend, a law-abiding citizen, and a very involved member of the community. He has no prior criminal history and supported the youth of his community in a myriad of ways. He volunteered his time at the Boys and Girls Club, Eastern Carolina Masters Commission, and was the Event Manager of a local event center that focused on activities and sporting events for the youth. In addition to his desire to help his community, he also supported his young son, immediate and extended family, and anyone else who needed it.

He was stripped away from his loved ones and the life he worked hard to build for himself after being accused of first-degree murder. The homicide associated with Rashawn's case happened September 1, 2019, in Rocky Mount, NC. The following narrative of the situation has been derived from testimonies of eye witnesses and law enforcement.

A local rapper, Sneak The Piper, and a group of his friends including Namir Davis, were outside their apartment complex after a night out at a local club. Earlier that day, they recorded a music video at the same apartment complex brandishing money, guns, and drugs. While at the club that night, there was an altercation and someone threatened to rob them. Multiple witnesses at the complex say there were several masked men that began shooting at these individuals who partook in the music video. At the scene there were over 18 shell casings found from multiple shooters evident of a crossfire or shootout situation. 

Despite the fact that these convicted felons at the scene had firearms, drugs, and made false statements, and even moved their cars and contraband before the police arrived, none of them faced charges. Shockingly, the detective in charge collaborated with these individuals to construct a false narrative, implicating Rashawn in the incident.

The 'lead investigator' for this homicide, Joshua Talley of the Rocky Mount Police Department, who has since been removed from his duties as a homicide detective and put back on patrol, did not do right by the family of the victim or by Rashawn Grant. After being in jail for two whole years, it came out at Rashawn's trial that the shell casing from the alleged murder weapon that was never found was NEVER sent for DNA by the investigator. Rashawn was finally swabbed for his DNA only two months before his trial, after sitting in jail all that time. There was also no DNA evidence connecting this weapon to Rashawn Grant. This shell could have very well provided investigators with the actual murderer had they checked for DNA. In multiple witness interviews it was stated that Rashawn was not the shooter, nor did he fit the description of the shooter. The name of a potential suspect was given to the detective by a witness as someone who shot at that house previously and admitted to killing the deceased, but the detective refused to follow up. He fixated on Rashawn and stated, "That's not important, we already have a suspect". There were NO pictures of Rashawn shown during witness interviews, despite them saying that they might be able to identify the shooter.

This detective harassed Rashawn and his family at work and lied to their landlords stating that Rashawn was involved in a street gang, which was an untrue and unsupported statement. This caused them to lose their good jobs, homes, and all sense of normalcy. After losing everything, they were forced to move back home and start over. This detective took the easy route instead of trying to solve this crime and get justice for the family of the victim. He abused his power and should be forced to resign.

The Rocky Mount Police Department claims Rashawn is capable of such an act due to the motive that his younger brother knew some of these boys and had gotten into a fight with them. There is no DNA evidence putting Rashawn on the scene and no witness testimony implicating Rashawn. There was also no murder weapon found connecting him to this crime. Rashawn does not fit the description of the shooter that was given, leads were never followed up on, the investigation was not done properly, and now we have a family of the deceased that will not get justice as the murderer still walks freely to this day. During Rashawn's trial, it has been uncovered that he was not provided his Constitutional right to an impartial jury. Aside from that, the State’s “key witness”, Tony Avent Jr., admitted to being drunk while on the stand, as well as during his five interviews with police, yet was allowed to continue testifying during the trial. 

We have filed an appeal on Rashawn Grant's conviction. The appeal process is a lengthy and costly one. Now, in addition to paying a defense lawyer, we will have to hire a post-conviction attorney. While this appeal process is ongoing, we will be actively filing motions to show and prove the wrongdoings and negligence of the justice system in Rashawn's case. We will never stop trying to find out who really did this so justice can be served for all parties involved. You can follow Rashawn’s story by following Justice for Rashawn Grant on the different social media platforms. 

THE FACTS:

• Rashawn was arrested at work on September 4, 2020, after he was served an arrest warrant that he had no idea was out for him. The warrant was taken out almost a year after the incident.
• There was a shootout at the scene of the crime involving multiple individuals and multiple weapons - the victims are known criminals and got into an altercation at the club hours before the shootout. Earlier that day, they recorded a music video in the same complex brandishing money, guns, and drugs.
• Multiple witnesses saw 4-5 masked gunmen hop out of a vehicle and start shooting. In multiple witness interviews it was stated that Rashawn was not the shooter, nor did he fit the description of the shooter. Additionally, the vehicle that was seen driving off with the gunmen did not fit the description of either one of Rashawn's vehicles.
• TWO victims were shot at the same time, with two different weapons. At first, the State charged Rashawn with both because they were going to try and pin this crime on him at all costs.
• During Rashawn's trial, it was uncovered that he was not provided with his Constitutional right to an impartial jury.
• There is no DNA evidence putting Rashawn on the scene and no witnesses have testified that he was there.
• There were NO pictures of Rashawn shown during witness interviews, despite them saying that they might be able to identify the shooter.
• There was NO murder weapon found connecting him to this crime.
• After being in jail for two whole years, it came out at Rashawn's trial that the shell casing from the alleged murder weapon that was never found was NEVER sent for DNA by the investigator. Rashawn was finally swabbed for his DNA only two months before his trial, after sitting in jail all that time.
• The name of a potential suspect was given to the detective by a witness as someone who shot at that house previously and admitted to killing the deceased, but the detective refused to follow up. He fixated on Rashawn and stated, "That's not important, we already have a suspect".
• Rashawn's trial only lasted 3 DAYS because of the lack of evidence.
• During trial, the State’s key witness, Tony Avent Jr., admitted to being drunk while on the stand, as well as during his five interviews with police, yet was allowed to continue testifying.
• Hurricane Ian caused court to be cancelled on Friday with jury deliberations starting Thursday afternoon. The court coerced the jury by reading the Allen Charge after only 4 hours of deliberation - the jurors made no indication to the trial judge that they were struggling to reach a verdict. They were rushed because everyone wanted to go home due to the inclement weather. Only 30 minutes after the Allen Charge was read, the jury reached a unanimous verdict.
• During closing arguments at trial, the State's prosecutor told the jury that he "was sure" the murder weapon that was never recovered would show that Rashawn was guilty, a violation of N.C.G.S. 15A-1230, using his own personal bias and interpretation of events. He also made several false and misleading statements during closing argument that were not supported by evidence. This ultimately gave the jury an unsubstantiated narrative of events to try and persuade them of Rashawn’s guilt, resulting in an unfair trial.

Rashawn was arrested at work on September 4, 2020, after he was served an arrest warrant that he had no idea was out for him, that was taken out almost a year after the incident. After spending two years behind bars waiting for his day in court, he missed out on countless memories with his son and family and has been unable to provide for them. He lost his home, vehicles, jobs, everything. Aside from losing the material things, he has also lost his dignity and had his name disparaged. 

Even though he has no prior criminal record, the nature of his charge has left him unable to work or continue his education while behind bars. Despite the circumstances, he has remained strong, positive, humble, and hopeful. As a loving father, husband, and community member, and despite his current situation, Rashawn is still concerned with being a provider for his immediate and extended family. Please sign and share this change.org petition and hold everyone accountable that brought about this wrongful conviction. (Former) Detective Joshua Talley of the Rocky Mount PD, District Attorney of the Edgecombe County Courthouse, and the jurors involved in the unfortunate and false verdict. Please demand justice. Please help us bring Rashawn Grant home where he belongs as an INNOCENT and WRONGFULLY CONVICTED man!

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*Update: As of June 20, 2023, Joshua Talley is no longer with the Rocky Mount PD.