WS Chronicle

The Winston-Salem Police Department (WSPD) needs the public’s help finding the man believed to be responsible for the murder of 19-year-old LaDawn Morgan.

Here’s what we know: On Thursday, March 27, Morgan was visiting friends at 903 Rich Ave. Just before 2 p.m., several vehicles arrived and gunfire erupted in the East Winston neighborhood. According to Detective Michael Ognosky, gunfire was exchanged between at least one party from each group. Morgan, who was standing on the porch, was shot in her abdomen. She was rushed to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, where she later succumbed to her injury.

Several bullets were found in the home on Rich Avenue and a vehicle parked outside. Alexander Barber Jr., a 79-year-old man who was parked in his car a few houses away from the crime scene, was injured as well but has since recovered.

During the public safety media conference on Wednesday, June 14, Ognosky said the shooting was not a random act of violence. He said, “This was a dispute between two groups of individuals in our city who decided to settle their dispute with the use of firearms.”

Ognosky made it clear that Morgan was not involved in the dispute between the two groups.

“She is an innocent victim who had her whole life ahead of her. She just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time,” he said. “She did not deserve what happened to her.”

Police described the suspect in the case as a black male with dreadlocks past his shoulders. Shortly after the shooting, the WSPD received information that the person of interest fled to Atlanta, Georgia, or Florida. According to Ognosky, he has since returned to Winston-Salem.

“We have several items that are being tested at the lab and we’re hopeful that we will have some digital evidence in the very near future that will help with this case,” said Ognosky. “We are asking anyone in the community that has information on this case to call the police department. We feel there were more individuals on that street at that point in time and we’re asking them to come forward.”

While trying to hold back tears, Morgan’s uncle, Michael Warren, called for justice and pleaded for help from the community. He described his niece as a loving person who loved hanging out with her friends, and listening to music.

“Justice is what we seek. Justice for my sister. Justice for the sleepless nights she’s having. Justice is what we seek and we need your help,” continued Warren. “Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, we need your help.”

“LaDawn was 19-years-old. I want justice for things in life she was never able to experience.”

Chief Barry Rountree said, “We can only solve these cases with the assistance of the public. There were numerous people on that street that day. Somebody has some information.”

“Think about if it was your family. Please help us bring closure for this family and bring the person responsible for this homicide to justice.”

Anyone with any information on this case can contact the WSPD at 336-773-7700 or Crime Stoppers at 336-727-2800.