WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) — A 3-year-old from Winston-Salem is recovering after he was shot during a domestic dispute at an apartment on Royal Forest Court Wednesday.
Police say the child was initially in critical condition but is recovering. A woman has been charged in this case.
India Knight, 26, was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon.
The Winston-Salem Police Department's Gun Crimes Unit and Gang Unit are investigating the shooting.
Neighbors told FOX8 they heard an argument between adults outside the home and moments later heard a series of gunshots.
Police responded to the 200 block of Royal Forest Court on Wednesday around 2:26 p.m. in response to a report of an assault with a firearm.
Upon arrival, officers learned that a 3-year-old child had been shot. The child was urgently taken to the hospital.
Police said a 32-year-old man was also shot.
Investigators said that everyone involved in the incident knew each other.
Court records show Knight posted bail on Dec. 15 on unrelated charges. Court documents also note that Knight and the man involved have a child together.
Police said additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
Winston-Salem Police Chief William Penn Jr. shared the following statement after the shooting:
I am outraged, as are many members of the community. In a stunning act of stupidity, a three-year-old child was shot and killed. First and foremost, I want to thank the officers of the Winston-Salem Police Department (WSPD), emergency personnel, and medical teams from both local hospitals who responded without hesitation and continue to fight to save this child's life. Their actions were nothing short of heroic and served as an example of how to put a child's life before your own. I don't care who started this conflict. It doesn't matter. What matters is that adults made reckless, cruel decisions that put a defenseless child in direct danger. This child had no ability to de-escalate, no ability to leave, no voice in the chaos created by adults who chose violence over restraint.
This incident represents a complete lack of accountability. When adults act impulsively and resort to violence—especially in the presence of children—our children suffer the consequences. Let me remind everyone: our children are watching us. We cannot expect them to resolve conflicts peacefully while adults continue to model aggression and violence.
The Winston-Salem Police Department will continue to conduct a thorough and relentless investigation. The true measure of a society is how it protects its most vulnerable members. In this case, we failed the child – and this is unacceptable. We must do better, and we will achieve more.
Police records also show officers were called to the Royal Forestry Court address nine times in 2025, including four calls involving an assault, two calls involving a deadly weapon and two calls involving an assault on a woman.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP.
