WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – According to the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, one person is dead and another is injured after an early morning shooting on Saturday in the Capeside Village neighborhood.
A 74-year-old David Rose attempted to unlawfully enter the home of a homeowner on Capeside Drive, according to a press release from the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.
“In the early hours of July 13, 2024 an unfortunate incident occurred at 636 Capeside Drive, resulting in the tragic death of David Rose,” the release states.
Rose rang the doorbell and beat the front door of the man’s home as he and his wife were asleep. The homeowner got up and answered the door when Rose shot him. The man’s wife was attempting to shut the door as Rose was trying to forcibly enter when the man grabbed his gun and shot through the door, striking Rose in the head.
No charges have been filed against the homeowner. The investigation has determined that the homeowner used necessary force to protect himself and his family.
Neighbors like Cristina DiNatale who live in the Capeside Village neighborhood describe it as safe and quiet.
“The only reason I moved here is because it’s a quiet neighborhood. It’s a safe neighborhood,” DiNatale said. “I mean, they never had a robbery. They never had any, I mean, crime around here.”
DiNatale says it could’ve been an entirely different story if the man wasn’t able to defend himself.
“Thank God [he] had a gun and then protected him and his wife, you know, or it would have been a real tragedy,” DiNatale said.
Now, DiNatale and other neighbors are left with the question of why this happened. DiNatale wonders if the man targeted the wrong home.
She says she has no idea why anyone would want to target her neighbor. She says he and his wife were always together.
“I’ll just keep [him] in my prayers that he’ll pull through this,” she said.
Despite what happened, DiNatale says she still considers it to be a safe neighborhood and hopes this was a one-time incident.
“I think it’s just a tragic accident. A freaky accident,” DiNatale said.
“This tragic event serves as a reminder of the critical importance of self-defense laws. Our thoughts and prayers are with all parties affected by this incident. The Sheriff’s Office will continue to support the homeowner and uphold the laws that protect the rights of our citizens,” the press release states.
The homeowner is being treated at Novant Medical Center, where he is in critical condition.
“Last night, a homeowner faced a dire situation when a suspect attempted to forcefully enter his home. In defense of his life and property, the homeowner acted within his rights,” Sheriff Ed McMahon said.
A crew on the scene reported a large police presence at the scene in the 600 block of Capeside Drive in Seabreeze, Monkey Junction area around 3:30 a.m. Saturday morning.
“The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a thorough investigation to gather all relevant facts and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the press release states.
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