Elliot Dwayne Barnes, a 34-year-old African American male from Wilson, North Carolina, tragically lost his life on September 1, 2018. The incident occurred at the "schoolyard" apartment complex located at 717 Black Creek Road. Elliot Barnes was found suffering from a gunshot wound and despite first responders' efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The suspect in this case, Shontez Anterrio Barnes, a 43-year-old African American male, was apprehended by the
Wilson Police Department. Shontez Barnes, who is not related to the victims, was found on the roof of the apartment building and surrendered peacefully after a brief standoff. He was charged with two open counts of murder for the deaths of Elliot Barnes and Redmond L. Barnes Jr., a 39-year-old African American male who was also killed in the same incident.
The trial for Shontez Barnes took place in the Wilson County Superior Court. During the four-day trial, several Wilson police officers testified about the night of the murders. The jury, consisting of seven women and five men, found Shontez Barnes guilty of two counts of first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon. Superior Court Judge William D. Wolfe sentenced Shontez Barnes to life without parole for the killings of Elliot Barnes and Redmond Barnes. The firearm possession conviction was consolidated with the second life sentence for Redmond Barnes' killing.
The impact of this tragic event was deeply felt by the families of the victims. Carla Barnes, the widow of Redmond Barnes, expressed her devastation and the profound effect the loss had on their three children. Patricia Barnes, the mother of Elliot Barnes and sister of Redmond Barnes, attended the trial but did not speak during the proceedings.
The case highlighted the ongoing issue of gun violence in the community, with friends and family members mourning the loss of their loved ones and calling for unity and love to address the problem. The Wilson Police Department continued to investigate the case and urged anyone with information to come forward.
