07/22/2026
******* FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *******
July 22, 2026
Homicide Investigation Update.
On June 15, 2026, around 08:04 pm, the Belhaven Police Department received a report of gunshots in the 900 block of Elm Street in Belhaven.
Officers responded and located 55-year-old, Lemonte Crandell of Elm Street deceased. Officers immediately secured the scene with assistance from responding Deputies with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.
The Belhaven Police Department requested assistance from the NC SBI and began an investigation.
As a result, the Belhaven Police Department obtained a warrant charging 32-year-old Dashauntis Tyrel Chase, of Old County Road in Belhaven with one count of murder. At the time of this press release, Dashauntis has not been located, and law enforcement is asking for the public’s assistance with locating Dashauntis.
Dashauntis is described as a 6’1”, 160 lb. slender built male with a medium brown complexion. Dashauntis has a tattoo of a tear drop and birthmark on his right check and tattoos on his neck. Dashauntis was last seen with long black dreads with gold/brown tips on the ends, sometimes in a bun. Dashauntis is considered armed and dangerous.
During the investigation, Detectives learned 18-year-old Mary Evett of Gum Street in Belhaven is a known associate of Dashauntis.
On July 9, 2026, a missing person’s report for Mary Evett was filed when family members reported the last time anyone spoke with Mary was on June 18, 2026.
Information obtained during the investigation indicates Mary may be with Dashauntis. Mary is not considered a suspect and there is no active arrest warrant for Mary in the death of Lamonte Crandell.
If you have any information on the location of Dashauntis Chase or Mary Evett, you are asked not to approach and to contact Belhaven Police Department at 252-943-2242, or your local law enforcement agency by dialing 911. You can also contact Beaufort County Crime Stoppers at 252-974-6400 or submit a confidential tip online at www.p3tips.com/195. Beaufort County Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $1,000.00 reward for information leading to an arrest. Crime Stoppers only wants your information, not your name.
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