MERRY HILL, NC — The tight-knit community of Bertie County is reeling from a devastating act of violence that claimed the life of 25-year-old Tahj Bazemore on Tuesday, following a shooting along Highway 45 in the Merry Hill area. Two other individuals were critically wounded during the same incident and were airlifted to a nearby hospital for emergency care.
According to the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to the 700 block of Highway 45 North after multiple calls reported gunfire. Upon arrival, officers found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds. One of them was pronounced dead at the scene—later identified as Tahj Bazemore, a 2018 graduate of Bertie High School and a lifelong member of the Bertie County community.
Tahj was the beloved son of Anita-Jordan Bazemore and Kedrick Terrell Bazemore, and a proud father to a young child who now must grow up without the presence and guidance of their devoted dad. Described by those who knew him as respectful, motivated, and full of potential, Tahj’s untimely passing has shaken family, friends, and former classmates to the core.
“He was the kind of person who carried himself with quiet strength,” one classmate shared. “Always respectful, always driven—he had goals, he loved his child, and he wanted to build a better life.”
As news of his death spread, expressions of grief and heartbreak poured in across social media and throughout the Bertie community. A candlelight vigil is reportedly being planned by local residents and former classmates to honor his life and support his grieving family.
The two other victims injured in the shooting have not yet been publicly identified, and their current conditions remain undisclosed. Both were flown out by air ambulance for advanced medical treatment due to the severity of their injuries.
Authorities have confirmed that the area has since been secured and that there is no continuing threat to the public. However, the investigation into what led up to the shooting is still very much ongoing. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has joined local law enforcement in piecing together the sequence of events.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and officials have not yet revealed a possible motive for the shooting. Law enforcement agencies are urging anyone with information—no matter how minor it may seem—to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.
“This is a tragic loss of life, and our hearts go out to all those impacted,” said a representative from the sheriff’s office. “We are doing everything we can to bring justice to the victims and their families.”
Tahj’s death marks yet another life lost to senseless violence, stirring painful conversations about safety, youth, and the future of the community. But even amid the grief, those who knew him are determined not to let his memory be overshadowed by tragedy.
“He was more than just a name in a headline,” said one family friend. “He was a son, a father, a friend, and a light in so many lives. He deserved better. His child deserved better.”
At just 25 years old, Tahj Bazemore had so much life left to live, and his sudden, violent death has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who loved him. The Bertie County community continues to mourn, standing in solidarity with his family as they navigate the unimaginable pain of losing someone so young, so full of life, and so deeply cherished.
Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office or reach out to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).