It’s a heavy topic and not our favorite discussion, but we’re committed to providing transparent and honest information about life in Winston-Salem.
December 27, 2023
35-year-old Te’ore Terry was a happy and warm person, a beloved member of the Winston-Salem community, and a dedicated CVS employee. On Valentine’s Day in 2021, Winston-Salem Police Department found Te’ore Terry lying face down with a gunshot wound in a parking lot off Coliseum Drive. EMS pronounced him dead at the scene. Almost three years later, there haven’t been any arrests in connection to his death.
In downtown Winston-Salem, you can find countless murals by professional and local artists. Among them is a portrait of Te’ore Terry, which hangs by the entrance of CVS on 201 W 4th Street. The artist, Kim Thorn, told Fox 8 in 2021 that she created the portrait to cope with the death of her friend and to share his infectious smile with the customers he knew and loved. The CVS where the mural hangs is closing on January 30, 2024.
What will happen to the portrait of Te’ore Terry once CVS closes? We’re unsure, but we hope the picture relocates to a place within the Winston-Salem community so we can continue honoring his memory and serve as a reminder that we must come together to help stop the violence.
Crime in Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem’s overall crime rate is down, but homicides have increased, a topic discussed frequently in the comments section of the Living in Winston-Salem Instagram page. The Winston-Salem Police Department is reporting more homicides for 2023 compared to 2022. WSPD said 46 homicides have occurred in Winston-Salem so far this year, a record high for the city. There were 35 homicides in 2022 and 44 in 2021.
Fighting Violent Crime in Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem police say they need ongoing assistance from everyone in the community to maintain safety. They want the community to use the acronym S.A.F.E.:
- S — Sign up for the camera registry program at connectwinstonsalem.org. Businesses can enroll in “Get Connected Winston-Salem” at no cost. Residents can also enroll in the camera-sharing program.
- A — Anonymously send information, photos, or videos through the Text-A-Tip hotline at 336-276-1717. You may also report information to Crimestoppers at 336-727-2800.
- F — Follow your instincts. ALWAYS be aware of your surroundings, and if anything feels unsafe or gives you a bad feeling, please proactively call the non-emergency number 336-773-7700.
- E — Ensure you look out for yourself and one another. We must come together to combat the violence in our community.
