'It just hurts me to my core that my baby isn't here anymore,' says mom of dead Wilson teen

A grieving mother in Wilson is speaking out after the death this week of her only son, whose passing has prompted a death investigation by police.

Letaisha Huggins sobbed while speaking to WRAL News Wednesday about the death of Rodshawn Barnes, who was her only son. Huggins said she has been in agony since Monday, when Rodshawn, 16, was taken to the hospital by friends after he suffered a gunshot wound.

"When you said anything to him, he would just bust out smiling and laughing," she said. "I haven't eaten, I haven't been able to sleep. It just hurts me to my core that my baby isn't here anymore."

Huggins said her son, who was headed into his junior year this fall at Fike High School, was in his room playing video games with his friends Monday night.

Police were called to the home in the 4100 block of Huntsmoor Lane after someone called rescue workers about a medical emergency. When officers arrived at the home, they were told that the teen had been transported to the hospital by friends.

When police arrived at the hospital, they learned that the boy had been pronounced dead.

Investigators have not publicly said if foul play was involved, but said the incident is under investigation.

Wilson police have spent several hours at the house since Monday night's shooting, combing the house and backyard while looking for evidence.

Huggins said she is still trying to understand what happened.

"I didn't hear no shot, that's the thing," she said.

Huggins says she learned her son died from a gunshot wound when she arrived at the hospital.

She says his friends told her that Rodshawn had just passed out. She said she was not expecting to hear that her son was never coming home again.

"It's terrible, it's terrible," she said through tears. "I wouldn't wish this on no one."