The Raleigh community is grappling with grief following the death of 26-year-old Darieen Marquise Hewett, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a shooting earlier this week. What began as a swift emergency response has evolved into a full homicide investigation, leaving loved ones devastated by the sudden and violent loss of a young life. Hewett’s passing marks a somber moment for the city, as residents once again confront the harsh reality of gun violence in their neighborhoods.
The incident unfolded on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, when Raleigh police officers were dispatched at 5:03 p.m. to the 6500 block of Mount Herman Road after receiving reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found Hewett suffering from a gunshot wound. He was immediately transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. For several hours, family members and authorities held onto hope for his recovery, but he tragically died as a result of those injuries. News of his passing has echoed through the community, prompting an outpouring of condolences and calls for justice.
Shortly after the shooting, investigators began gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to determine what led to the confrontation. On Wednesday, police confirmed that they had made an arrest in the case. The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Damouri Jontae Woods, has been charged with murder. Woods’ arrest marks a crucial step forward in the investigation, though authorities emphasize that many details surrounding the shooting remain under review. Detectives are continuing to analyze evidence to uncover the full circumstances behind the deadly encounter.
Residents in the area say the shooting has left them shaken. Mount Herman Road, typically a quiet stretch, saw police activity as investigators worked late into the evening collecting evidence. Some neighbors described hearing the commotion but were unaware of the severity until police confirmed the tragic outcome. For many, the incident has prompted renewed conversations about safety, awareness, and the impact of escalating disputes that turn violent.
As the investigation continues, Raleigh police are urging anyone with additional information to come forward. Even small details can help investigators better understand the chain of events that led to Hewett’s death. Detectives stress that community cooperation is invaluable in ensuring that justice is served and in preventing similar tragedies in the future.
For Hewett’s family and friends, the days ahead will be marked by grief, reflection, and the painful task of mourning someone taken far too soon. While an arrest may bring some measure of relief, it cannot ease the heartbreak of losing a young man whose life held promise and possibility. The Raleigh community now stands in solidarity with his loved ones, hoping that answers and accountability will follow as the investigation unfolds.
