Carlton Scott Rainey, a 55-year-old male of African American ethnicity, tragically passed away on December 21, 2021, in Gastonia, NC. Rainey succumbed to injuries sustained from a gunshot wound outside an apartment building on Herman Drive. The incident occurred around 12:52 p.m. when responding officers found Rainey suffering from the gunshot wound.
Despite immediate medical attention, Rainey was pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect, Aaron Lamar Alexander, a 34-year-old male from Gastonia, was charged with homicide and assault-related charges. Alexander allegedly used a rifle to shoot Rainey and a 33-year-old female victim, who survived with non-life-threatening injuries. Detectives determined that the female victim was Alexander's ex-girlfriend and that Rainey was her family member. Alexander fled the scene but was apprehended about an hour later when police spotted the vehicle he was last seen in. A rifle was found inside the vehicle during the arrest.
The investigation revealed that Alexander shot both victims inside the apartment before leaving in a vehicle. The motive behind the shooting appears to be related to Alexander's relationship with his ex-girlfriend. The case brought significant attention to the community, highlighting concerns about domestic violence and the impact of such incidents on families and neighborhoods.
The legal proceedings against Alexander included charges of murder and assault. The case was closely followed by local authorities and the community, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and preventive measures against domestic violence. The tragic death of Carlton Rainey underscored the importance of addressing such issues to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals and families in the community.
