Greenville, North Carolina — Authorities in Greenville say a 13-year-old boy was tragically shot and killed after being robbed for a necklace valued at just $50. The shocking incident, which took place in July, has now led to the indictment of a teenage suspect on murder charges.
According to investigators, officers were called to the 3800 block of Sterling Pointe Drive around 2:30 a.m. on July 25 following reports of gunfire. When they arrived, they discovered 13-year-old Emiliano Gutierrez-Boviall suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite emergency efforts, the young teen was pronounced dead.
Detectives say the motive behind the killing was a robbery, in which the suspect allegedly targeted Emiliano for a necklace worth approximately $50. Authorities described the case as a senseless act of violence that stole the life of a young boy over something of little value.
Last week, a Pitt County Grand Jury returned an indictment against the teenage suspect, whose identity has not been publicly released due to age-related restrictions. The indictment includes charges of first-degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon. Prosecutors are expected to decide whether the suspect will be tried as an adult.
The Greenville Police Department, in a statement, called the crime “devastating and avoidable,” stressing the importance of community support and cooperation to ensure justice for Emiliano and his family.
Neighbors in the Sterling Pointe Drive area described the shooting as deeply unsettling, with many expressing grief and anger that such violence could claim the life of a child in their community. Vigils have been held in Emiliano’s honor, where family and friends remembered him as a kind-hearted boy with a bright future ahead.
Community leaders have also renewed calls for stronger efforts to address youth violence in Greenville, highlighting the need for prevention programs, mentoring opportunities, and neighborhood safety initiatives.
As the legal process moves forward, Emiliano’s family continues to seek justice while coping with an unimaginable loss. “He was just a kid,” one family friend shared. “No parent should ever have to bury their child, especially under circumstances like this.”
The case remains under investigation, and authorities encourage anyone with additional information to come forward.