WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – A 23-year-old was killed and a suspect is in custody after a shooting Friday afternoon, Aug. 16, in the 4200 block of Academy Cove, where Aspire 349 is located, according to the Wilmington Police Department.
“23-year-old Otis Taylor was found with a gunshot wound and pronounced deceased at the scene. A second man who had also been shot was taken to the hospital by EMS for life-threatening injuries. He is currently still listed in critical condition,” the WPD update states.
During the investigation, police determined that the suspect may have been traveling to New York. On Saturday, the Buffalo Police Department arrested 21-year-old Craig Lynch.
Lynch has been charged with first-degree murder.
“He will eventually be extradited back to Wilmington. After an investigation WPD detectives have determined that this shooting began as a robbery among people who knew each other. This is an ongoing investigation and no further information is available at this time. We send our condolences to Mr. Taylor’s friends and family members during this difficult time,” the WPD adds.
The complex is popular among UNCW students due to it’s close proximity to campus.
A spokesperson with UNCW confirmed Taylor was not a student at UNCW.
Amanda Guest was moving her son, Tyler, who is a senior at the university into the building next door to where the incident happened on Thursday.
She said she now feels uneasy about him living at Aspire, and wants to break his lease.
“It doesn’t make me feel safe for him being there at all. I mean, to know that it can happen, and now learning it happened the day he moved in….it’s an uncomfortable feeling,” Guest said.
A spokesperson with Aspire 349 released a comment to WECT saying:
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that resulted in the loss of one resident and the injury of another. Our thoughts are with their families and loved ones during this difficult time. Security has always been a priority, with guards regularly patrolling the complex in the evenings. Unfortunately, in this case, it appears the victims knew the assailant and allowed them entry.”
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