On May 16, 2018, Gene Aikens Jr., a 50-year-old male from High Point, North Carolina, was found deceased in his home on the 200 block of Dorothy Street. Authorities responded to the scene after receiving a distress call and discovered Gene Aikens Jr. had suffered fatal gunshot wounds.
Following the incident, law enforcement officials arrested Gene Aikens Jr.'s son, 21-year-old Zachary C. Aikens, in connection with the homicide.
Zachary Aikens was charged with first-degree murder for the death of his father, as well as four counts of attempted murder of law enforcement officers during a subsequent confrontation.
In addition to Zachary Aikens, a 15-year-old male was also charged with first-degree murder in relation to Gene Aikens Jr.'s death. The juvenile, whose identity has not been disclosed due to his age, was described by police as an "active willing participant" in the killing.
The case took a dramatic turn when Zachary Aikens engaged in a shootout with police officers. After allegedly confessing to his sister about the murder, Zachary fled to his grandparents' residence. Upon arrival, he reportedly climbed onto the roof and began firing at officers with a shotgun. The officers returned fire, resulting in Zachary sustaining gunshot wounds before being apprehended.
Both suspects were taken into custody following these events. Zachary Aikens was hospitalized for his injuries before being transferred to the Guilford County Jail, where he was held without bond for the murder charge and with a $5 million bond for the attempted murder charges. The 15-year-old suspect was detained at the Guilford County Juvenile Detention Center. Authorities did not immediately disclose a motive for the homicide.
On May 16, 2018, in High Point, North Carolina, 50-year-old Gene Aikens was found deceased in his residence on Dorothy Street. The victim, a 50-year-old male, had suffered fatal gunshot wounds. Authorities were alerted to the situation when Gene Aikens' daughter reported that her brother, 21-year-old Zachary C. Aikens, had arrived at her home covered in blood and confessed to killing their father. She also expressed concerns that Zachary intended to harm their grandparents.
Following this information, police proceeded to the grandparents' residence on Overbrook Court. Upon arrival, officers observed Zachary Aikens on the roof of the house. He allegedly fired at the officers with a shotgun, prompting them to return fire and subsequently apprehend him after he sustained a gunshot wound. Zachary Aikens was then transported to a local hospital for treatment.
In connection with the homicide, a 15-year-old male, identified as a friend of Zachary Aikens, was also detained near the scene. Investigations revealed that this teenager was an active and willing participant in the murder of Gene Aikens. Consequently, he was charged with first-degree murder and placed in the custody of the Guilford County Juvenile Detention Center.
Upon his release from the hospital, Zachary Aikens faced charges including first-degree murder for the death of his father and four counts of attempted murder on law enforcement officers. He was denied bond on the murder charge and received a $5 million bond for the attempted murder charges. He remains incarcerated at the Guilford County Jail in High Point.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed a motive for the killing. The investigation highlighted the involvement of both Zachary Aikens and the 15-year-old in the planning and execution of the crime, but specific details regarding their intentions or reasons remain undisclosed.
