Waverly Aldrich, a 38-year-old man from Spring Lake, was tragically shot and killed on July 19, 2022, in the parking lot of a closed restaurant on Marracco Drive in Hope Mills, North Carolina. The incident occurred around 8 p.m., and it was reported that Aldrich was shot outside of a pick-up truck. His girlfriend, who was present at the time, called 911 but was unharmed.
The shooting is believed to have resulted from an argument that took place at a nearby Circle K convenience store.
Hope Mills Police Chief Stephen Dollinger stated that it was still unclear whether Aldrich knew the individuals involved in the argument or if it was a random encounter. The investigation revealed that Aldrich's girlfriend was driving the pick-up truck at the time, and police hoped she could provide more information about the events leading up to the shooting.
In the aftermath of the incident, Hope Mills police, along with agents from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, conducted a thorough investigation. This led to the arrest of Antonio Lamont Green, 22, who was charged with first-degree murder in connection with Aldrich's death. Green was arrested by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office in St. Petersburg, Florida, and later extradited to North Carolina. Additionally, a juvenile was also arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Warrants were issued for two other individuals, Fiona Williams, 42, and Damien Evans, 22, on charges of accessory after the fact to first-degree murder.
The investigation into Waverly Aldrich's death continues as authorities seek to gather more information and identify any additional suspects involved in the crime. The community remains hopeful that justice will be served for Aldrich and his family.
