Thanksgiving turned into a day of mourning for a North Carolina family after a 55-year-old father, Robert Cummings, was shot and killed early Thursday morning. His body was found across the street from his home in Zebulon.
A Quiet Neighborhood Shattered by Violence
Around 1:30 a.m., Zebulon Police responded to West Barbee Street, where they found Robert Cummings lying lifeless in a yard. According to Robert’s son, Damain Cummings, his father’s body was found in his uncle’s yard. The family believes the shooting stemmed from an argument involving Robert, his brother, and a group of individuals gathered outside the home overnight.
According to Damain, investigations suggest that alcohol played a role in the altercation and that authorities have identified a potential suspect and is continuing their investigation.
A Son’s Painful Plea for Accountability
Damain shared his heartbreak in an interview with ABC 11 News, expressing frustration and grief over the senseless loss of his father.
“You took somebody else’s life,” he said. “Just imagine if that was your child or your dad or your parents. How would you feel?”
Damain said he heard gunshots from his home across the street but never imagined they were connected to his father. It wasn’t until Robert’s girlfriend banged on his door, delivering him the devastating news, that the nightmare became real.
A Family’s Thanksgiving in Mourning
The holiday, meant for togetherness and gratitude, turned into a day of sorrow as the family grappled with the sudden loss. Instead of preparing for a festive meal, they now face planning Robert’s funeral.
“I’m not really too much worried about myself,” Damain said. “It’s more of like my grandmother right now because she is pretty much by herself. But so now I have constantly people coming over here 24/7 to check on her.”
Community Support for the Cummings Family
As the family processes their grief, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist with funeral expenses. You can donate here.
