On April 4, 1978, Officer James William "Billy" Nunalee Sr., aged 24, was tragically ambushed and killed in Wilmington, North Carolina. Officer Nunalee, a male of Caucasian ethnicity, was a dedicated member of the Wilmington Police Department. He was fatally shot 21 times with a semi-automatic rifle by two masked men as he exited a convenience store.
The assailants then stole his service revolver and fled the scene.
The investigation into Officer Nunalee's murder initially focused on a husband and wife team suspected of the robbery and murder. However, despite strong suspicions, there was insufficient evidence to arrest them at the time. The case remained unsolved for 24 years until a breakthrough occurred. The suspects' son, who was in prison on unrelated charges, came forward and confessed that his parents were responsible for Officer Nunalee's death. This confession, combined with other evidence collected over the years, allowed the police to finally close the case.
Investigators believe that the husband shot Officer Nunalee while his wife was present but did not participate in the shooting. Officer Nunalee was survived by his wife and son, who have since honored his memory. The case highlights the challenges and perseverance involved in solving cold cases and bringing justice to victims and their families.
