D’Angelo Malindsay Barker’s Life and Legacy: Statesville Community Shaken by Early Morning Shooting That Claimed Young Man’s Life

STATESVILLE, N.C. — A quiet Saturday morning in the city of Statesville turned into a moment of irreversible tragedy when the life of 25-year-old D’Angelo Malindsay Barker was cut short in a senseless act of violence. The shooting, which occurred just after 5:30 a.m. on June 14, 2025, in the 100 block of East Allison Street, has left a community grappling with profound grief and unanswered questions. A promising young man, affectionately known as “D,” is now being remembered not for the way his life ended, but for the vibrancy and hope with which he lived it.

A Shocking Scene Unfolds

According to the Statesville Police Department (SPD), officers were dispatched following a series of 911 calls reporting gunfire in the residential neighborhood near downtown. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Barker lying unresponsive in the middle of the roadway. He had suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his chest and abdomen.

In those critical early moments, officers administered CPR and tried to stabilize the victim while awaiting the arrival of emergency medical services. Iredell County EMS arrived promptly and took over the life-saving efforts, but despite their best attempts, Barker was pronounced dead at the scene. The chilling stillness of that early morning quickly gave way to sirens, flashing lights, and the sobs of witnesses and family members who soon arrived at the scene, devastated by what had transpired.

Community Devastated by Yet Another Violent Loss

The city of Statesville has seen its share of heartache, but this incident has struck a particularly raw nerve. Friends, neighbors, and classmates who grew up with Barker expressed disbelief and sorrow as the news of his death spread. Social media posts flooded local timelines, filled with pictures, tributes, and memories of a young man who, despite facing hardships, was on a path of transformation.

D’Angelo had been working full time and reportedly making strides to better his circumstances. He had recently spoken to friends about his hopes for the future, including plans to go back to school and find new housing. Those close to him said he was focused on turning his life around—motivated not just by personal ambition, but by a strong desire to set a better example for those who looked up to him.

“D had a heart of gold,” said one longtime friend. “He might not have had it easy, but he always had a kind word, and he never turned his back on the people who loved him. He was trying, and he didn’t deserve this.”

A Life Remembered, a Community in Mourning

Barker, a graduate of Statesville High School, was known for his athletic ability and involvement in local programs designed to support at-risk youth. He played basketball with a passion that often brought smiles to his teammates and coaches, and his involvement in local youth mentorship projects made a lasting impression. While not without his struggles, Barker remained deeply committed to his family and friends.

His death has not only devastated his immediate loved ones, but also cast a shadow over the broader community that has been working tirelessly to reduce youth violence and offer alternatives to at-risk young adults. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the urgency to address gun violence and community safety in a more systemic and preventative way.

Local clergy, neighborhood leaders, and youth advocates have voiced frustration and heartbreak at yet another promising life lost too soon. “When we lose a young man like this, we’re not just losing a life—we’re losing part of our future,” said a local pastor who had previously mentored Barker. “It’s time for change. We can’t keep burying our sons.”

The Ongoing Investigation

As of Sunday evening, SPD officials had not released the name of any suspect nor made any arrests in connection with the shooting. Investigators confirmed that they are actively following several leads, reviewing surveillance footage from nearby buildings, and speaking with witnesses who were in the area at the time of the shooting.

Police are asking for anyone with information to come forward, promising that any tip—no matter how small—could help bring justice. Authorities have emphasized that this investigation is being treated with the highest priority and that they are confident the shooter will be brought to justice.

Crime scene technicians worked into the afternoon, combing the area for evidence. Yellow crime scene tape cordoned off the street as residents watched in quiet disbelief, some wiping away tears as investigators marked shell casings and collected forensic samples. A small memorial of candles, flowers, and handwritten notes began to take shape near where Barker was found—yet another painful reminder of the lives lost to violence.

A City Looks Inward

In the aftermath of the shooting, the city of Statesville is once again being called upon to examine its relationship with violence, trauma, and the youth caught in its crosshairs. Community leaders have pledged to redouble their efforts to reach young people with support programs, conflict resolution training, and job placement initiatives.

Some are calling for town hall meetings, increased mental health services, and broader discussions about the root causes of gun violence in underserved neighborhoods. Others are simply demanding answers: Why him? Why now? And when will it end?

“D’Angelo should be here,” said one emotional family friend. “He should be laughing with his friends, planning his future, living his life. Instead, we’re preparing to bury him.”

Loved Ones Left Behind

D’Angelo leaves behind a grieving family who are now forced to navigate the unimaginable pain of life without him. Parents, siblings, cousins, and close friends have described the deep emptiness left in his absence. Though he was still in the early stages of adulthood, Barker had already made a lasting impression on countless lives.

Family members have asked for privacy as they prepare for his memorial, but they also want the public to know that he was more than just a statistic. He was a son. A friend. A dreamer. Someone who loved music, late-night talks, and laughing until his sides hurt. They want him remembered for the life he lived, not just the way he died.

Plans for a memorial service are currently underway, and community members have begun raising funds to assist with funeral expenses. A candlelight vigil is also being organized, with details expected to be announced in the coming days.

A Plea for Justice and Peace

As the investigation continues, D’Angelo’s family and community are making a simple, heartfelt plea: justice and peace. They ask that anyone with knowledge of the incident step forward—not out of vengeance, but out of a shared commitment to ending the cycle of violence that continues to rob families of their children.

Community organizations are calling on city officials to increase support for youth intervention programs and invest in initiatives that provide hope, opportunity, and healing. Many believe the time for change is long overdue.

“We can’t save D, but maybe we can save the next young person who’s thinking there’s no way out,” said one youth advocate. “We owe it to him. We owe it to every life we’ve lost.”

In Memory and Reflection

As Statesville tries to make sense of this latest tragedy, the memory of D’Angelo Malindsay Barker will live on. Through shared stories, worn-out basketballs, school yearbooks, and street corner memorials, his presence remains felt. His story, like so many others, is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community, compassion, and action.

May his memory be a blessing, and may his name never be forgotten—not just in grief, but in the commitment to build a better, safer tomorrow.