Three Men Receive Prison Terms for 2023 Winston-Salem Home Invasion

I still remember reading about the 2023 home invasion in Winston-Salem, and it hit me hard. Four people were inside an apartment on Quincy Drive when three armed men broke in, looking for money and drugs. By the time the chaos ended, one life was lost, and the community was left grappling with shock and grief.

When I think about it, this wasn’t just another crime statistic. It was real people’s lives upended in an instant—the victim, Deonta McArn, a young man with family and dreams, and the others who survived but were left shaken. As I walk you through what happened that night, the legal consequences, and the lessons we can learn, I want you to see this story not just as news, but as a wake-up call about safety, awareness, and the very real impact of violent crime in our neighborhoods.

By the end of this, you’ll understand the timeline, the people involved, and the steps law enforcement took to bring justice—plus, practical takeaways you can use to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Timeline of the Crime: What Happened on May 18, 2023

That night on May 18, 2023, started like any other in the apartment on Quincy Drive. But everything changed when Jemon Smith, Armin Hardy, and Anthony Cloverdale forced their way inside, armed and searching for money and drugs. Four people were home.

News 2 reports that Hardy stayed on the first floor and robbed Gaurav Mishra of just $37, while Smith and Cloverdale went upstairs. They confronted William Colson, taking his Glock and assaulting him. Then came the moment that would forever haunt the family—Deonta McArn, who was in the bathroom, tried to fight back. Smith shot him, and his life was tragically cut short.

The three men fled, leaving chaos behind. Investigators later recovered Smith’s cell phone inside the apartment, and Cloverdale eventually admitted his role to his high school guidance counselor.

This timeline is critical because it shows how quickly ordinary life can turn into tragedy. Understanding the sequence helps us see the gravity of home invasions and why awareness and preparedness matter.

Sadly, Winston-Salem isn’t the only place seeing such tragedies—earlier, a Lexington teen was killed in a home invasion, showing how these crimes affect communities everywhere.

The Perpetrators: Who They Were and What They Did

Let’s break down who these men were and their actions that night.

Jemon Smith: My FOX 8 reports that he was the one who fatally shot McArn. His actions upstairs turned a robbery into a deadly crime. His cell phone recovery later became a key piece of evidence in court.

Anthony Cloverdale: Alongside Smith, he went upstairs, helped confront Colson and McArn, and later admitted his involvement to his guidance counselor. His confession helped investigators piece together the events.

Armin Hardy: Stayed on the first floor, robbed Mishra, and assisted the group crime. While he didn’t directly commit the murder, he was a crucial part of the home invasion plan.

Examining the perpetrators’ roles helps us understand accountability and the layers of criminal behavior. It’s a reminder that even indirect participation in violent crimes carries serious consequences.

Legal Proceedings and Sentences

In court, the gravity of what happened was clear. Each man pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, two counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon, and first-degree burglary.

Smith received 240–300 months in prison. Cloverdale got 192–243 months, and Hardy was sentenced to 156–200 months. Cora McNeil, McArn’s mother, spoke passionately in court, thanking detectives and asking for the maximum punishment.

Judge David L. Hall’s rulings reflect not just punishment but a broader lesson: violent crimes, especially those ending in death, have severe and lasting consequences. Reading this, you realize the legal system’s role in both justice and deterrence.

Victims and Their Stories

Deonta McArn wasn’t just a name in the news. He had family, a life full of potential, and people who loved him. Losing him left a void that no sentence can fully fill.

William Colson and Gaurav Mishra survived physically, but the trauma they endured—being robbed, threatened, and assaulted—is not easy to shake. McArn’s mother’s courtroom words remind us that victims’ voices matter and should be heard alongside crime statistics.

Understanding victims’ perspectives helps you connect emotionally, recognize the human cost of crime, and consider personal safety in real life.

Stories like McArn’s remind us of the human cost of crime—similar heartbreak unfolded when a 63-year-old man was killed in a Warren home shooting, leaving families and communities shaken.

Investigation Insights: How Authorities Solved the Case

The investigation was meticulous. Smith’s cell phone left at the scene provided a crucial lead. Cloverdale’s confession filled in gaps that forensic evidence alone couldn’t. Detectives pieced together the movements of each perpetrator with precision.

Law enforcement experts say this is typical in home invasions: evidence gathering, witness accounts, and confessions all play a role.

For us as readers, seeing how the system works can be both reassuring and educational—it shows that even complex crimes can be solved with diligence.

For those who want real-time updates on safety alerts and community incidents, there’s a WhatsApp feed that shares verified news and tips. It’s a simple way to stay informed while going about your day.

Home Invasion Trends in Winston-Salem

Looking at this crime in isolation tells part of the story, but understanding local trends gives you the bigger picture. Winston-Salem has seen fluctuations in home invasions over the years, and cases like McArn’s sadly remind us these crimes are still a reality.

Most home invasions happen when perpetrators believe they’ll find valuables or drugs, often targeting unsuspecting residents at night. Local law enforcement recommends practical steps: ensure doors and windows are locked, use visible security cameras, and consider a neighborhood watch program.

These incidents aren’t limited to one city—just last year, a woman was found fatally shot in an Oakland County home, highlighting the ongoing risks in homes across the country.

For you and me, the takeaway is simple: awareness and preparation aren’t paranoia—they’re essential. Knowing how these crimes happen lets you protect your home and loved ones more effectively.

Lessons Learned and Takeaways

After reading about this case, I can’t help but reflect on the lessons it offers. First, home invasions can happen anywhere, so taking simple preventive steps is key. Second, understanding the roles of perpetrators, the investigation process, and the legal outcomes teaches us about accountability and justice.

But beyond safety and law, there’s a deeper takeaway: empathy. McArn’s story reminds us that behind every headline, there are real people with families, friends, and communities affected. Staying informed, engaged, and proactive about safety isn’t just about prevention—it’s about valuing human life.

Now I want to hear from you: have you taken any steps to secure your home or community after hearing about cases like this? Sharing ideas might just help someone else stay safer.

If you want to read more about similar home invasion cases and safety tips, check out our Home Security section for in-depth stories and updates.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on publicly available news reports and official sources. It is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The author is not providing legal advice, and readers should consult professionals for specific guidance.