A suspect is dead after 12-year-old shoots at intruders during attempted robbery, police say

Feb 15, 2021, 7:05 AM

    (CNN) — A 12-year-old shot at two masked intruders who broke into his grandmother’s home just before 1 a.m. on Saturday, according to police in Goldsboro, North Carolina.

The intruders had demanded money from 73-year-old Linda Ellis and subsequently shot her, police said in a statement posted on the Goldsboro Police Department’s Facebook page.

Police said the juvenile fired “in self-defense” at the suspects who then fled. Officers found one of the suspects, 19-year-old Khalil Herring, at an intersection near the Ellis home, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound, the statement said.

“Preliminary evidence suggest(s) Khalil Herring was one of the two masked intruders and was shot during the robbery,” police said.

Both Ellis and Herring were transported to Wayne UNC Health Care in Goldsboro for treatment. Herring was later pronounced dead. Ellis, the juvenile’s grandmother, was treated for injuries that were not life-threatening and is currently listed in stable condition, Goldsboro police said.

Charges against the 12-year-old, identified as a boy by CNN affiliate WTVD, “are not anticipated,” according to the police statement.

When reached by CNN, a spokeswoman for Goldsboro Police would not provide any information about the second suspect in the attempted robbery.

Randolph Bunn, who said he’s the juvenile’s great-uncle, told WTVD that he was in the home when the intruders forced their way in and that one of them was armed with a gun.

“(The intruder) just shot his grandma … He would have shot him too, he would’ve shot me too, he would’ve killed us all,” Randolph Bunn told WTVD.

Chiquita Coley, identified by CNN affiliate WRAL as Ellis’ great-niece, said she couldn’t believe what happened.

“Why would somebody come into her house and do this? It’s got to stop,” Coley said. “I don’t know what they’re thinking around here in Goldsboro, but it’s got to stop.”

The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

FILE: A sign is posted in front of the 23andMe headquarters on February 01, 2024 in Sunnyvale, Cali...

Logan Stefanich, KSL

Utah, 40 other states reach $18M settlement with 23andMe after data breach, bankruptcy

Utah and over 40 other states on Wednesday announced a $18 million settlement agreement with genetic information company 23andMe after the company filed for bankruptcy in March 2025.

16 hours ago

Sen John Curtis, R-Utah, walks through the Capitol during votes in Washington, July 16. A journey t...

Cami Mondeaux, Deseret News

From Salt Lake City to the Senate: Curtis leads tribute honoring Pioneer Day

In the US Senate on Thursday, Sen. John Curtis led a resolution honoring the Utah pioneers for exhibiting a spirit that he says still shapes the country today.

17 hours ago

Mateus Rangel, of Provo, plays hymns with his children. He spoke about how he uses songs for "Hymns...

Emily Ashcraft, KSL

Church of Jesus Christ announces 10 hymns to be included in ‘Hymns for Home and Church’

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released 10 new hymns that will be included in its new hymnbook on Thursday as part of a phased rollout of "Hymns for Home and Church."

17 hours ago

Taylor Farms Mexico's facilities in Doctor Mora, Guanajuato state, Mexico, Monday. The facility was...

Siddhi Mahatole, Reuters

Taylor Farms temporarily shuts Mexico facility as US cyclosporiasis cases rise, source says

Taylor Farms on Thursday temporarily closed its Mexico facility linked to cyclosporiasis cases. The CDC has reported 4,173 cases across 41 states.

17 hours ago

Fire, likely started by an exploding lithium-ion battery, destroyed Sarah Marshall's home on June 1...

Devyn Latorre

Red Cross volunteer uses experience with fire to help others

The fire that destroyed the home of a Red Cross volunteer is shaping how she helps and teaches others to prevent fires.

17 hours ago

It's been a busy summer for SAR crews across Utah, and when teams head out, in many instances they'...

Don Brinkerhoff, KSL

Utah SAR volunteers spend their own money to save lives. Here’s how you can help

It's been a busy summer for SAR crews across Utah, and when teams head out, in many instances they're doing it largely on their own dime.

18 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bear Lake

Road trip ready: How Bear Lake became the go-to destination for Western U.S. travelers

Whether you are chasing pristine beaches, fresh raspberry shakes, or endless water sports, this sponsored guide—brought to you in partnership with Bear Lake —uncovers everything you need to plan the ultimate getaway.   There’s nothing quite like the thrill of hopping in the car with your favorite snacks in tow and heading out for a […]

...

Harper Clinic

A new standard of care: How Harper Clinic’s IOP is changing the face of mental health treatment in Utah

This article is sponsored by Harper Clinic, a Utah-based clinic offering FDA-approved TMS therapy for treatment-resistant depression.    Utah’s mental health crisis is leaving many residents caught in an uncomfortable middle ground: struggling too much for weekly therapy alone, but unable to step away from work, parenting or daily life for inpatient treatment. As demand […]

...

Harper Clinic

Breaking free from depression: How Harper Clinic’s TMS Therapy can help

This article is sponsored by Harper Clinic, a Utah-based clinic offering FDA-approved TMS therapy for treatment-resistant depression.    The weight of depression is real. Many people spend years fighting it, adjusting medications, managing side effects and wondering if this is simply how life is going to feel.   According to the World Health Organization, depression affects […]

mental health...

Andrew Adams, KSL

Library discussions bring men’s mental health to the surface

Therapists say it’s common for men to repress things like trauma, grief, stress and anxiety. Now, a new weekly series of discussions aims to help men bring it all to the surface.

...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

Cozy up in Bear Lake: Discover the magic of a winter getaway

SALT LAKE CITY – The holiday season shines brightest when time slows down and loved ones gather. Gifts, decorations and festive music come and go, but shared experiences tend to last much longer. Research supports that idea. Dr. Theresa E. DiDonato told Psychology Today that vacations can strengthen relationships by creating meaningful time away from daily […]

...

Harper Clinic

Rewriting the path to healing: Inside Harper Clinic’s whole-person mental health model

OREM — A few decades ago, you’d have had a hard time finding a doctor to treat both your mind and body; And a century ago, you’d have been hard-pressed to find a doctor to treat your mind at all. Today, medical professionals are understanding more and more the undeniable connection between the body and […]

A suspect is dead after 12-year-old shoots at intruders during attempted robbery, police say