The city of Raleigh is facing another painful reminder of the toll gun violence takes on local communities after the death of 26-year-old Darieen Marquise Hewett. Hewett, who was shot earlier this week, succumbed to his injuries despite swift medical intervention, leaving family, friends, and neighbors shattered by the sudden and violent end to his life.
The tragic incident unfolded on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. Raleigh police responded at 5:03 p.m. to reports of a shooting in the 6500 block of Mount Herman Road. When officers arrived, they found Hewett suffering from a critical gunshot wound. Emergency crews transported him to a nearby hospital, where he fought for several hours before tragically passing away.
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His death quickly reverberated throughout Raleigh, prompting an outpouring of grief and sympathy from those who knew him. Many have expressed disbelief that a young man with so much life ahead of him could be taken so abruptly.
As the community mourned, Raleigh police immediately began piecing together the events that led to the deadly encounter. Detectives collected evidence at the scene, interviewed witnesses, and combed through early leads. By Wednesday, authorities announced a significant development: the arrest of 26-year-old Damouri Jontae Woods, now charged with murder in connection with Hewett’s death.
Woods’ arrest marks a major step in the ongoing investigation, though police stress that many details surrounding the shooting remain under review. Detectives continue to analyze physical evidence and follow up on witness accounts, working to determine what exactly sparked the confrontation between Hewett and Woods.
Residents who live near Mount Herman Road say the shooting has rattled the neighborhood. The area, usually quiet and calm, was filled with flashing lights and police activity late into the night as investigators cordoned off sections of the road to gather crucial evidence. Some neighbors reported hearing commotion but did not realize the severity of the situation until news of Hewett’s death became public.
This latest tragedy has reignited conversation across Raleigh about the ongoing threat of gun violence and the urgency of addressing conflicts before they escalate. Many community members are calling for renewed focus on prevention, intervention, and stronger support systems for young adults.
Raleigh police are urging anyone with additional information about the shooting to come forward. Even small details, officials say, could help detectives build a clearer understanding of what led to the fatal incident. Community cooperation, they emphasize, is essential not only for securing justice for Hewett but also for preventing similar tragedies in the future.
As the investigation moves forward, the Raleigh community continues to rally around Hewett’s loved ones. His death leaves a void that cannot be filled, but the push for answers — and justice — now stands at the forefront of the city’s collective resolve.