Diretta Robinson, a 65-year-old African American woman, tragically lost her life on January 15, 2022, in Wilmington, North Carolina. Diretta Robinson was a beloved member of her community, remembered fondly by her family and friends. Her death was a result of a horrific incident that shocked the local community and garnered significant media attention.
On January 15, 2022, Diretta Robinson was fatally shot in broad daylight outside the Landfall Shopping Center in Wilmington.
The incident occurred around 4 p.m. when emergency calls reported shots fired in the parking lot of the shopping center. Upon arrival, first responders found Diretta Robinson, her 48-year-old sister Trina Lynnette Robinson, and her 13-year-old grandson, all of whom had suffered gunshot wounds. Unfortunately, all three victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect in this tragic incident was identified as Wilbert Lamont Robinson, a 40-year-old African American man, who was Diretta Robinson's son. Wilbert Lamont Robinson was arrested and charged with three counts of first-degree murder and discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle. According to the Wilmington Police Department, Wilbert Lamont Robinson had also shot himself and was found injured at the scene. He was transported to the New Hanover Regional Medical Center for treatment before being charged with the murders.
The motive behind the shootings remains unclear, and the case has been handed over to the New Hanover and Pender County District Attorney's Office for further investigation. Authorities have stated that the suspect and the victims arrived at the scene together in the same vehicle prior to the shooting. The tragic loss of Diretta Robinson, her sister, and her grandson has left the community in mourning, and the investigation continues as authorities seek justice for the victims.
