Kinston Man Sentenced to Life for 2021 Murder of Shelton Long
- February 10, 2026 – A 32-year-old man from Kinston, North Carolina, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the 2021 shooting death...
- Jamal Terrel Griggs was convicted on Friday following a three-week trial in New Hanover County Superior Court, according to a news release from District Attorney Jason Smith’s office.
- Long was found dead on November 5, 2021, in his vehicle in the 4200 block of River Road, having suffered three gunshot wounds.
Kinston Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for 2021 Wilmington Murder
– A 32-year-old man from Kinston, North Carolina, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the 2021 shooting death of Shelton Long in Wilmington.
Jamal Terrel Griggs was convicted on Friday following a three-week trial in New Hanover County Superior Court, according to a news release from District Attorney Jason Smith’s office. The jury found Griggs guilty of first-degree murder, firing into an occupied vehicle and possession of a firearm by a felon.
The crime occurred in November 2021. Long was found dead on November 5, 2021, in his vehicle in the 4200 block of River Road, having suffered three gunshot wounds. Investigators determined he had been shot the day prior and recovered three 9mm shell casings at the scene.
Evidence presented during the trial included witness testimony indicating an interaction between Long and Griggs at an apartment on November 4th. Long reportedly told authorities he was being followed after leaving the apartment. Surveillance footage showed a vehicle matching one later linked to Griggs pursuing Long’s car. Cell site location data also placed Griggs’ phone near the crime scene at the time of the murder.
District Attorney Jason Smith stated, “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.”
According to reports, Long’s mother was present in the courtroom when the verdict was announced and delivered an emotional impact statement to the court.
The conviction follows a thorough investigation by local authorities. Griggs now faces a life sentence, with no chance of parole, for the death of Shelton Long.