Statesville Community Devastated After Fatal Shooting Claims Life of 33-Year-Old Man; Suspect Identified and Manhunt Underway

STATESVILLE, NC — June 14, 2025 — The city of Statesville is grappling with grief and disbelief after a deadly shooting on Saturday afternoon left a 33-year-old man fatally wounded in broad daylight. The victim, identified as a local resident, was shot multiple times in a front yard near Deaton Street, close to Abernathy Ball Field, and later died from his injuries at Iredell Memorial Hospital.

According to the Statesville Police Department (SPD), officers were dispatched around 12:45 p.m. after receiving a flurry of 911 calls reporting gunfire in the neighborhood. Upon arrival, they found the victim lying unresponsive and critically injured. First responders rendered aid at the scene before transporting him to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.

The shooting, which unfolded in the middle of a residential area on a quiet Saturday afternoon, has shocked residents, sparking urgent questions about violence, safety, and justice in the heart of their city. As of Sunday morning, police have identified a suspect in the case and have launched a widespread manhunt, appealing to the public for any information that could lead to an arrest.

A Community Reeling from Loss

The tragedy has shaken the fabric of the local community. Neighbors, friends, and family gathered near the scene within hours of the incident, some holding one another in grief, others trying to make sense of how such violence could erupt so close to home.

“He was a good man. He didn’t deserve this,” said one mourner who came to pay respects and lay flowers near the sidewalk where the man was gunned down. “This street has always felt safe, like family. Now it feels broken.”

Residents described hearing a series of loud pops, initially mistaking them for fireworks, only to realize seconds later that it was something far more sinister.

“It was just before one o’clock,” said a witness. “I was sitting on the porch when I heard five or six shots — rapid fire. Then I saw people running, screaming. It was terrifying.”

The location of the shooting — near a local baseball field often frequented by children and families — only compounded the fear and emotional impact. Many parents in the area expressed shock that such violence could happen so close to where their children play.

A Broad Daylight Shooting: Timeline of Events

Authorities have provided a rough timeline of the incident as the investigation continues to unfold. At 12:45 p.m., multiple 911 calls flooded emergency lines, reporting gunfire near Deaton Street. Officers were immediately dispatched to the scene.

Upon arrival, they found the victim lying in a residential front yard, bleeding from multiple gunshot wounds. Witnesses on the scene reported seeing a man fleeing on foot immediately after the shots were fired.

Emergency medical personnel quickly arrived and began life-saving procedures. The victim was rushed to Iredell Memorial Hospital, but the extent of his injuries proved fatal.

SPD officers immediately began canvassing the area, interviewing witnesses, collecting surveillance footage from nearby homes, and coordinating with state and federal partners to track down the alleged shooter.

Suspect Identified, Public Assistance Requested

By late Saturday evening, Statesville Police had identified a suspect in the shooting. Though authorities have not released a full name to the public, they described the individual as armed and dangerous, cautioning residents against approaching him.

Investigators believe the shooting may not have been a random act of violence, but potentially the result of a personal dispute or altercation between the victim and the suspect. However, officials have not ruled out other motives and are keeping details tightly controlled to preserve the integrity of the investigation.

A regional manhunt is now underway. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that even the smallest detail could help lead to an arrest.

“We are fully committed to bringing justice to the victim’s family,” said a spokesperson for SPD. “But we need the public’s help. If you saw anything, heard anything, or know anything — please, do the right thing and come forward.”

Anonymous tips can be submitted through local crime stoppers programs, and a reward may be offered for information leading to an arrest.

Violence in the Heart of Statesville

This latest fatal shooting adds to a growing concern in the community about gun violence, especially as it increasingly erupts in residential neighborhoods during daytime hours. While Statesville is not typically considered a high-crime area, residents say they’ve noticed an uptick in violent incidents in recent months.

“I’ve lived here my whole life, and I’ve never seen it this bad,” said one lifelong Statesville resident. “It used to be that you’d hear about things like this happening in the bigger cities, not here. But now it’s at our doorstep.”

Local leaders are calling for urgent conversations about public safety, access to firearms, and youth engagement. The incident has already sparked plans for a community safety forum, where residents, city officials, and law enforcement will gather to discuss next steps and potential preventive measures.

Mourning a Life Taken Too Soon

As the investigation presses on, the human impact of the shooting remains most deeply felt by those who knew the victim best — his family, his close friends, and the broader Statesville community.

“He always had a smile on his face,” said a family friend. “He wasn’t perfect, none of us are, but he was working on himself, trying to do better. Now he’ll never get that chance.”

Dozens of loved ones gathered Saturday night for an impromptu candlelight vigil near the site of the shooting. Candles flickered against the darkening sky, illuminating photos of the victim, flowers, handwritten signs, and a growing sea of messages written in chalk across the pavement.

Among them: “Gone Too Soon,” “We Love You,” and “Justice Will Be Served.”

Local churches have stepped up to provide grief counseling, organizing prayer circles and support groups for those emotionally impacted by the tragedy.

A City Searching for Answers — and Solutions

In the wake of this tragedy, Statesville is a city searching not just for a suspect, but for answers. What led to such a brutal act of violence? Could it have been prevented? And what can be done to ensure it never happens again?

Community leaders and youth advocates are urging action, not just mourning.

“This can’t just be another name added to a list,” said a pastor who spoke at Saturday’s vigil. “This has to be a wake-up call. A turning point. We can’t afford to lose more lives to senseless violence.”

There are calls to expand mental health resources, invest in conflict resolution programs, and provide more community engagement opportunities for at-risk individuals. While police work continues behind the scenes, city officials are pledging to do more — but also reminding the public that everyone has a role to play in building safer neighborhoods.

An Urgent Appeal for Justice

As Sunday unfolds and the manhunt for the suspect continues, the family of the victim is asking for two things: answers and justice. They have issued a public plea for peace, requesting that no retaliatory actions be taken, and that anyone with information come forward to help investigators bring the shooter to justice.

“This pain — it’s unbearable,” said a grieving family member. “But we know revenge won’t bring him back. We just want justice. We want whoever did this to be held accountable.”

In the meantime, the community continues to support the grieving family, helping to organize funeral arrangements, crowdfunding for burial expenses, and offering shoulders to lean on as the full weight of the loss begins to sink in.

Conclusion: A Life Remembered, a Community United in Grief

In a matter of moments, a gunman’s actions shattered lives, scarred a neighborhood, and ignited a citywide search for justice. But in the face of this tragedy, the Statesville community is also demonstrating what resilience looks like — through unity, through support, and through a collective refusal to let violence define their future.

As the investigation into this senseless shooting moves forward, one thing remains certain: the memory of the victim will not fade, and the call for justice will not quiet. The streets of Statesville are mourning, but they are not broken. They are united — determined to remember, to heal, and to fight for a safer tomorrow.