Jesus Antonio Candela-Abonza, a 14-year-old Hispanic male, was tragically killed on August 1, 2020, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The incident occurred on Utah Drive, where Jesus and another 14-year-old boy, Dylan Samuel Lopez, were shot in a drive-by shooting. Jesus was pronounced dead at the scene, while Dylan was taken to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and later succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation revealed that a car drove through the area and began firing multiple
rounds at the two boys and other people present. Witnesses described the vehicle as a red Nissan Cube with its headlights off, which sped away after the shooting. Despite the presence of over 200 people at the scene, only one witness came forward to assist the police.
Juan Noyola-Alonzo, who was 17 years old at the time of the crime, was initially charged as a juvenile but later tried as an adult. He pled guilty to two counts of voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 102 to 148 months in prison. The lack of witnesses willing to come forward limited the State's ability to bring more serious charges against him.
Another 17-year-old suspect was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. This individual, whose identity has not been disclosed, is currently in custody with the North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. Additionally, a second 17-year-old was charged with accessory after the fact to a felony.
The tragic deaths of Jesus Candela-Abonza and Dylan Samuel Lopez highlight the devastating impact of gun violence on young lives and the challenges faced by law enforcement in securing justice for the victims.
