Greensboro police investigate homicide after 44-year-old Justin Massey found on Patterson Street

Greensboro police have opened a homicide investigation after 44-year-old Justin Ryan Massey was found and pronounced dead on the 3800 block of Patterson Street. Responding officers, Greensboro Fire Department crews and Guilford County EMS arrived in the early morning and located Massey at the scene.

"On Saturday, Jan. 31, at approximately 7:27 a.m., police, along with Greensboro Fire and Guilford County EMS, responded to the 3800 block of Patterson Street. They located Justin Ryan Massey, who was pronounced dead at the scene." City investigators say this is the second homicide in Greensboro so far in 2026, a statistic that underscores growing concern among residents about violent crime trends.

Authorities have released few details about the circumstances surrounding Massey’s death. "Officers have not shared details about what led to his death," investigators said, and officials added that "Next-of-kin have been notified. Additional details are not immediately available for public release." The Greensboro Police Department cited a department news release in announcing the homicide investigation.

The involvement of multiple emergency agencies at roughly 7:27 a.m. signals a coordinated response, but the absence of public information about a cause of death, weapon, suspects or witnesses leaves key questions unanswered. For neighborhoods near Patterson Street, the investigation raises immediate concerns about safety, transparency and the timeline for public updates from law enforcement.

Officials are urging anyone with information to come forward through anonymous channels. "Anyone with information is asked to contact Greensboro/Guilford Crime Stoppers at (336) 373-1000; or, download the mobile P3tips app for Apple or Android phones to submit a mobile tip or go to P3tips.com to submit a web tip. All tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous." Those tips can be crucial in homicide inquiries when investigative details remain limited.

What happens next will matter to neighbors and city leaders alike. Greensboro Police Department investigators will determine cause of death and whether any arrests or persons of interest exist; the department has not released an autopsy timeline. For residents, the immediate steps are to watch for official updates, secure personal property and report anything unusual to police or Crime Stoppers. Journalists and community members will be watching for a fuller police release and any development that clarifies the circumstances of Massey’s death.