Antonio Knoshjun Watts, a 20-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on April 8, 2018, in Hickory, North Carolina. The incident occurred outside The Vault Bar and Lounge, located at 247 1st Avenue Northwest. According to reports, police responded to a call about shots fired just before 2:00 a.m. Upon arrival, they found Antonio Knoshjun Watts and three other individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.
Watts was transported to Frye Regional Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The other victims included Garan Wilburn, 25, Keeuntae Kee, 23, and Joe Tipps, 28, who were also treated for gunshot wounds at local hospitals. Kee and Tipps were later released from the hospital. All four individuals had been at the bar prior to the shooting.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and no arrests have been made at this time. The Hickory Police Department has urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward. As of now, there have been no suspects identified, and the motive behind the shooting remains unclear.
Antonio Knoshjun Watts was born on March 6, 1998, in Catawba County to Tony Collins and Natisha Watts. His untimely death has left his family and the community in mourning. The case continues to be a priority for local law enforcement, as they seek to bring justice for Watts and his family.
