Guilty Verdict and Life Sentence in Kinston Murder Case

Trevor Demitri Akeily Peters convicted of first-degree murder in 2020 killing of Demario Washington

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Lenoir County District Attorney's Office has secured a guilty verdict and life sentence for Trevor Demitri Akeily Peters in the 2020 murder of Demario Washington in Kinston, North Carolina. Peters was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Why it matters

This case highlights the Kinston Police Department's commitment to seeking justice for victims of violent crimes and working closely with the district attorney's office to hold perpetrators accountable. The successful prosecution also provides some closure for the family and community impacted by Washington's tragic death.

The details

In November 2020, Peters was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of 28-year-old Demario Washington. The incident occurred on the 1000 block of E. Bright Street in Kinston. After a trial, a jury returned a guilty verdict, and Peters was subsequently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

  • On November 4, 2020, officers responded to a shots fired call on the 800 block of E. Shine Street in Kinston.
  • While investigating that incident, officers heard additional gunshots and found Demario Washington suffering from a fatal gunshot wound on the 1000 block of E. Bright Street.
  • On November 5, 2020, police took Trevor Demitri Akeily Peters into custody for the murder of Demario Washington.
  • On February 24, 2026, the Lenoir County District Attorney's Office delivered closing arguments, and the jury returned a guilty verdict against Peters.

The players

Trevor Demitri Akeily Peters

A 26-year-old man who was found guilty of first-degree murder in the 2020 killing of Demario Washington in Kinston, North Carolina.

Demario Washington

A 28-year-old Kinston resident who was fatally shot in November 2020.

Lenoir County District Attorney's Office

The prosecutorial agency that secured the guilty verdict and life sentence against Trevor Demitri Akeily Peters.

Kinston Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the 2020 murder of Demario Washington and worked with the district attorney's office to bring the case to trial.

Superior Court Judge Imelda Pate

The judge who presided over the trial and sentencing of Trevor Demitri Akeily Peters.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Kinston Police Department and Lenoir County District Attorney's Office remain committed to seeking justice for victims of violent crimes and will continue to work together to hold perpetrators accountable.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the Kinston Police Department's and Lenoir County District Attorney's Office's dedication to thoroughly investigating and prosecuting violent crimes, providing some measure of justice and closure for the victim's family and the broader community.