Erline Patrice Freeman, a 26-year-old woman from Fayetteville, NC, tragically lost her life on December 12, 2015. The incident occurred at around 11:00 p.m. in the 6500 block of Wicklow Place. According to reports, a gun was accidentally knocked from its storage location and discharged upon hitting the floor, striking Erline Freeman. She was immediately taken to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
The Fayetteville Police Department conducted an
investigation into the incident and determined that the shooting was accidental. Richard Pugh-Newby, a 28-year-old man who was present at the scene, was charged with involuntary manslaughter. He was taken into custody and held at the Cumberland County Detention Facility under a $15,000 bond. The authorities concluded that there was no malicious intent behind the shooting, and it was classified as an unfortunate accident.
Erline Freeman's death was a devastating loss for her family and the community. She was survived by her daughter, Cassidy Freeman, her parents, Stacey Monroe and Eric Grier, and her siblings, Eric Freeman and Rasieda Freeman. The family held a funeral service on December 18, 2015, at Smith Chapel Freewill Baptist Church in Fayetteville, followed by her burial at LaFayette Memorial Park. The community mourned the loss of a young life taken too soon and remembered Erline Freeman for the love and joy she brought to those around her.
