A 19-year-old Chocowinity teen died after stepping in to save his best friend during a Thanksgiving altercation in Craven County
CRAVEN COUNTY, N.C. — A Thanksgiving night confrontation in Craven County turned deadly after a teenager from Chocowinity was fatally stabbed while trying to protect his friend, according to information The North Carolina Beat has learned..
The Craven County Sheriff’s Office has charged 55-year-old Billy Gaskins with an open count of murder in the death of 19-year-old Damien Tompkins.
Deputies say the incident happened at Gaskins’ home on Wilmar Road, just outside Vanceboro. A fight broke out in the home involving Gaskins, a woman, and an underage boy. Both the woman and the juvenile were injured during the struggle.
According to a GoFundMe description, when Tompkins saw his best friend was about to be stabbed, he stepped in. That act of bravery cost him his life.
Loved ones say Tompkins was “always trying to do the right thing,” describing him as the type of person who stepped up to help others, even in dangerous situations.
Deputies say Tompkins died at the home before he could be transported for medical care.
Gaskins was arrested at the scene and is currently being held in the Craven County Jail without bond. Authorities have not released further details regarding what sparked the fight or the conditions of the two individuals injured.
The sheriff’s office says the investigation remains active.
