Sunset Park Shooting Incident – Rocky Mount Police Provide New Details in Tragic Case Rocky Mount, NC – July 25, 2025
The Rocky Mount community is grappling with the aftermath of a tragic and violent incident that unfolded in Sunset Park on the evening of July 24, 2025. Authorities have released further details regarding the shooting that claimed the life of one individual and left multiple others affected.
At approximately 5:30 p.m., officers from the Rocky Mount Police Department (RMPD) were dispatched to 550 N. Taylor Street, in the Sunset Park area, following a call reporting gunfire. Upon arrival, officers discovered 58-year-old Jaime De La Fuente inside a vehicle, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was immediately transported to UNC Nash Hospital, where, despite emergency efforts, he was pronounced dead due to the severity of his injuries.
Authorities have identified the alleged shooter as 47-year-old Calvin Conyers. According to police reports, following the initial shooting, Conyers fled the scene on foot and made his way to Chico’s Mexican Restaurant, located at 1701 Sunset Avenue. In a horrifying escalation of events, Conyers—armed and dangerous—attempted to carjack a vehicle in the restaurant’s parking lot. The vehicle was occupied at the time by an adult female and a young child.
Before he could escape, Conyers turned the gun on himself, inflicting a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was transported to a local medical facility where he remains in critical condition under close medical supervision and police custody.
During the course of the investigation, authorities also identified a fourth victim who sustained a non-life-threatening injury during the incident. The individual was treated at the scene and later released by EMS.
As the investigation continues, the Rocky Mount Police Department has formally charged Calvin Conyers with a series of serious criminal offenses, including:
- First Degree Murder
- Attempted First Degree Murder
- Two Counts of Second Degree Kidnapping
The loss of Jaime De La Fuente has sent ripples of grief throughout the community. His passing is especially difficult for the Rocky Mount Police Department, as he was the father of an RMPD officer. The department has asked for the community’s compassion and support for the De La Fuente family and the entire RMPD family during this deeply emotional time.
Authorities have emphasized that this was an isolated incident and is not connected to a separate shooting that occurred in the 1400 block of Russell Street. The scene at Sunset Park was secured quickly by first responders, and investigators have remained active and vigilant in their pursuit of facts and justice.
The RMPD urges anyone with information related to this incident—or the unrelated Russell Street shooting—to come forward. Individuals can contact the Rocky Mount Police Department directly at 252-972-1411. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via Tip411 by texting “RMPD” followed by the message to 847411.
As Rocky Mount mourns this senseless act of violence, the community is encouraged to remain vigilant, support one another, and assist law enforcement in any way possible. Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues to unfold.
Remembering Jaime De La Fuente
While the investigation continues, the community also pauses to remember the life of Jaime De La Fuente, a beloved father, friend, and community member. Those who knew him describe him as kind-hearted, hardworking, and deeply proud of his family. His tragic death has left an irreplaceable void, not only in his family but also in the wider Rocky Mount community. As his loved ones grieve, residents are asked to extend their support and keep his family—especially his son, an RMPD officer—in their hearts during this incredibly difficult time.