Timmy Jaurice Moore, 33, Fatally Shot in Statesville Daylight Tragedy; Suspect Austin “Kimby” Morrison Identified

STATESVILLE, NC – June 14, 2025 — The city of Statesville is mourning the tragic and untimely death of Timmy Jaurice Moore, 33, who was gunned down in a shocking daylight shooting on Saturday afternoon. The incident, which occurred just before 1:00 p.m. in a quiet residential neighborhood, has shaken the community and reignited urgent conversations about violence, safety, and justice.

According to the Statesville Police Department, officers responded swiftly to multiple reports of gunfire near the intersection of Stockton Street and 5th Street. Upon arrival, they found Moore suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency responders rushed him to Iredell Memorial Hospital, but despite the best efforts of medical personnel, he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

The devastating news sent shockwaves throughout the city. Moore, a lifelong resident of Statesville, was well known in the community and leaves behind grieving relatives, including young children, siblings, and extended family members who now must grapple with a sudden and senseless loss.

Suspect Identified

Detectives quickly began investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting and soon identified 26-year-old Austin Ty’Kim “Kimby” Morrison as the prime suspect. Morrison, who is also a resident of Statesville, is now wanted in connection with the homicide. As of Sunday morning, he remains at large.

Authorities have issued a warrant for Morrison’s arrest and launched a manhunt, deploying additional officers and patrols throughout the area. The suspect is considered armed and dangerous, and the public is strongly urged not to approach him but to call law enforcement immediately if he is seen.

“We will not rest until the person responsible for this crime is brought to justice,” said a spokesperson for the Statesville Police Department. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Moore and ask for the community’s cooperation as we work to locate and arrest the suspect.”

A Shattered Community

The fact that the shooting happened in broad daylight has deeply unsettled residents. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots ring out suddenly, creating panic and fear among bystanders and nearby families. “We heard at least five or six shots. It was terrifying. Everyone ran inside,” said one resident who declined to be named.

The senseless nature of the crime has left many residents reeling, particularly those who knew Timmy Moore personally. Friends and family describe him as a warm-hearted, down-to-earth man who was doing his best to provide for his loved ones and create a better life for himself.

“He had his ups and downs, like we all do,” said a close friend. “But he had a good heart. He was trying to get things right. He didn’t deserve this. His kids didn’t deserve to lose their father like this.”

Community Response and Vigil

As word spread about Moore’s death, community members quickly organized an impromptu vigil near the scene of the shooting. Dozens gathered Saturday evening, lighting candles, sharing prayers, and leaving tributes in the form of flowers, photos, and handwritten notes. The vigil served not only as a remembrance of Moore’s life but also as a call to action.

“We’re tired of losing people to violence,” said one attendee. “We need to come together, speak out, and take care of each other. We can’t let this become normal.”

City officials have echoed these sentiments, urging residents to come forward with any information that may assist in locating Morrison. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers, and detectives are particularly interested in surveillance footage or eyewitness accounts from the vicinity of the shooting.

Looking Ahead

In response to the incident, local leaders and law enforcement have pledged to intensify community engagement efforts and address the root causes of gun violence. Resources are being mobilized to support Moore’s family and to provide grief counseling to those affected by the tragedy.

As the investigation continues and the search for Morrison remains active, the Statesville community is left to mourn yet another life lost to senseless violence. For many, the pain of Moore’s death is not only personal but emblematic of a larger struggle for peace, justice, and security.

Though his life was tragically cut short, Timmy Jaurice Moore will be remembered by those who loved him as a father, a brother, a friend — and a man who mattered.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days. Community members who wish to support Moore’s family can reach out through local aid organizations and church groups offering assistance during this difficult time.

The Statesville Police Department encourages anyone with information related to this case to contact them directly or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at (704) 662-1340.

As the city grieves, one thing is clear: Timmy Moore’s life will not be forgotten, and the fight for justice is far from over.