Raleigh Grieves the Passing of 26-Year-Old Darieen Marquise Hewett as Authorities Initiate Comprehensive Homicide Inquiry

The city of Raleigh is experiencing a painful reminder of the impact gun violence has on its communities following the passing of 26-year-old Darieen Marquise Hewett. Hewett was shot earlier this week and, despite prompt medical assistance, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries, leaving his family, friends, and neighbors devastated by the abrupt and tragic end of his life.

The unfortunate event occurred on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. At 5:03 p.m., Raleigh police responded to reports of a shooting in the 6500 block of Mount Herman Road. Upon arrival, officers discovered Hewett suffering from a critical gunshot injury. Emergency responders transported him to a local hospital, where he battled for several hours before sadly passing away.

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Hewett's death quickly sent shockwaves through Raleigh, leading to a surge of sorrow and condolences from those who were familiar with him. Many are in disbelief that a young individual with so much potential could have his life cut short so suddenly.

As the community grieved, Raleigh police began to reconstruct the circumstances that led to the fatal incident. Detectives gathered evidence from the scene, interviewed witnesses, and explored initial leads. By Wednesday, authorities revealed a significant breakthrough: 26-year-old Damouri Jontae Woods was arrested and is now facing murder charges linked to Hewett’s death.

Woods' arrest signifies an important advancement in the ongoing investigation, although authorities emphasize that several aspects related to the shooting are still being examined. Detectives are continuing to scrutinize physical evidence and follow witness statements in an effort to uncover what instigated the confrontation between Hewett and Woods.

Residents adjacent to Mount Herman Road report that the shooting has unsettled the neighborhood. Typically a peaceful area, it was filled with flashing lights and police presence late into the night as investigators sealed off parts of the road to collect important evidence. Some neighbors mentioned they heard disturbances but were unaware of the seriousness of the incident until news of Hewett’s passing surfaced.

This latest incident has reignited discussions throughout Raleigh regarding the persistent issue of gun violence and the importance of resolving conflicts before they escalate. Numerous community members are advocating for a renewed emphasis on prevention, intervention, and enhanced support systems for young adults.

Raleigh police are encouraging anyone who may have further information about the shooting to step forward. Even minor details, according to officials, could assist detectives in developing a clearer picture of what led to the tragic event. Community cooperation is stressed as vital not only for achieving justice for Hewett but also for averting similar incidents in the future.

As the investigation progresses, the Raleigh community is continuing to support Hewett’s family and friends. His death creates an irreplaceable void, but the quest for answers—and justice—remains at the center of the city’s unified determination.