Dylan Scott Wall, a 23-year-old white male, tragically lost his life on February 10, 2021, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Dylan, a UPS driver, was shot and killed while making deliveries on South East Street in downtown Raleigh. The incident occurred in the 600 block of South East Street, near East Lenoir Street, just before 2:30 p.m. on that fateful Wednesday. Dylan was on the phone with a friend from work when he was shot, and he reportedly told his friend, "I think I'm dying."
He was taken to WakeMed hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The suspect in Dylan's murder is 30-year-old Stephen Joseph Bynem, who lived next door to where the shooting occurred. Bynem was arrested and charged with murder in connection with Dylan's death. He is currently being held at the Wake County Detention Center without bond. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and the investigation is ongoing. Bynem's only prior conviction was in 2008 for misdemeanor charges of carrying a concealed weapon and adulterating food. There are indications that Bynem may have mental health issues, and his family was reportedly trying to get him help.
Dylan's death has left his family and friends in mourning. His widow, Jocelyn, and their 5-year-old son, Aiden, are struggling to cope with the loss. Dylan's mother, Vernie Wall, became emotional during Bynem's initial court appearance, yelling at him before apologizing to the judge and running out of the courtroom in tears. Dylan was remembered as a hardworking and loving man who took on any job UPS assigned to him, even the downtown route he disliked. His colleagues and customers described him as a ray of sunshine, always dependable and bringing joy to those around him.
The community has rallied around Dylan's family, with donations pouring into an online fundraiser organized by his friend and fellow UPS driver, Holden Howell. A downtown Raleigh church has also offered to host Dylan's funeral free of charge. Despite the outpouring of support, the pain of losing Dylan remains immense for his loved ones, who are left grappling with the senselessness of his murder.
