WINSTON-SALEM, NC — The Winston-Salem community is mourning the devastating loss of 17-year-old Destiny Quiterio, who has been identified by her family as one of the three victims in a triple homicide that took place early Saturday morning. The violent and heartbreaking incident has left families shattered and a city grappling with profound grief.

Destiny, a bright and vibrant young woman whose life was just beginning, is being remembered by loved ones for her infectious energy, her compassionate heart, and the joy she brought to those around her.

A Promising Life Stolen Too Soon

Destiny was a high school student, known among friends and teachers for her kindness, determination, and natural leadership. According to those close to her, she had dreams of going to college and pursuing a career where she could make a difference in people’s lives—perhaps in education or social work. Her compassionate nature and empathy for others stood out, even in her teenage years.

“She always had a way of making people feel seen,” said one of her classmates. “If you were having a bad day, Destiny would be the first to sit next to you and just listen. She had a gift.”

Her sudden and violent death has left her peers and teachers in shock. Many gathered for an impromptu candlelight vigil Saturday evening near her school to remember her life and mourn her passing.

The Investigation

According to Winston-Salem police, officers were called to the scene of a shooting on Saturday morning in a residential neighborhood where they discovered three victims, including Destiny, all deceased from gunshot wounds. The identities of the other two victims have not yet been released publicly, and the circumstances surrounding the tragedy remain under investigation.

Authorities have said they are pursuing several leads and are working around the clock to bring clarity and justice to the victims’ families. No arrests have been announced as of yet, and police are asking anyone with information to come forward.

“We understand the deep impact this has had on our community, especially the families of those lost,” said a spokesperson for the Winston-Salem Police Department. “We are committed to a thorough investigation and will not rest until those responsible are held accountable.”

A City in Mourning

The news of Destiny’s death has shaken not only her loved ones but the entire city. Community leaders and local organizations have spoken out against the senseless violence, calling for unity, support, and action to prevent future tragedies.

Her school district released a brief message offering condolences to her family and friends, and noted that grief counselors would be made available for students struggling to cope with the loss.

As her loved ones prepare to lay her to rest, they are urging the public to remember Destiny not just as a victim, but as a light who touched lives deeply in her 17 years.

“Destiny was a daughter, a sister, a friend,” said a family member. “She had dreams and a heart full of love. This world has lost something precious.”

Remembering Destiny

Plans are currently underway for a public memorial service to honor Destiny’s life. Her family has invited those who knew her, and even those who didn’t, to come together to celebrate her memory and reflect on the impact she made in her short but meaningful life.

In her name, her family is also exploring the creation of a youth-focused foundation to support education, mental health, and anti-violence initiatives.

As Winston-Salem continues to grieve, Destiny Quiterio will be remembered not for how her life ended, but for how fully she lived, how deeply she loved, and how brightly she shined.

May she rest in peace.