Mark Dexter Norfleet, a 29-year-old African American male, was tragically killed on September 30, 2018, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The incident occurred at approximately 7:54 p.m. when Winston-Salem police responded to a shooting at 2911 Edwards Street. Upon arrival, officers found Norfleet suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Despite the efforts of emergency medical services, Norfleet succumbed to his injuries shortly after their arrival.
The investigation revealed that Norfleet's girlfriend, Ashley Williams, a 28-year-old African American female, was responsible for the shooting. Williams was charged with involuntary manslaughter after she negligently discharged a 9 mm firearm, striking Norfleet in the chest. The couple's two young children were present in the home at the time of the incident.
Williams turned herself in to law enforcement officials at the Forsyth County Detention Center on October 4, 2018. She was subsequently released under a written promise to appear in court on October 25, 2018. The case has left both families devastated, with Norfleet's parents expressing a mix of grief and forgiveness towards Williams.
The Winston-Salem Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division conducted interviews and gathered evidence to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. Authorities believe that Norfleet and Williams had an established relationship, which played a role in the tragic outcome. The incident marked the 20th homicide in Winston-Salem for the year 2018.
The community has been deeply affected by Norfleet's death, with many expressing their condolences and support for the grieving family. A GoFundMe page was set up to help cover the costs associated with the loss of Norfleet, providing some financial relief during this difficult time.
