Wilbert Lee Stringfield, an 83-year-old Black male, was tragically killed in his home in Dudley, North Carolina, on the night of March 3, 2025. Reports indicate that the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting at approximately 11:47 p.m. at a residence on Pecan Road. Upon arrival, deputies encountered multiple individuals residing in the home, who directed them to Stringfield, who had suffered a fatal gunshot wound.
Emergency medical personnel attempted life-saving measures but ultimately pronounced him deceased at the scene.
Stringfield was reportedly lying in bed when gunfire erupted, with more than 80 evidence markers found at the scene, suggesting a high volume of shots fired. Authorities believe that multiple shooters may have been involved in the attack. The sheer intensity of the gunfire has left the local community in shock, with neighbors expressing disbelief over the violence inflicted upon an elderly man. One resident, living just a few houses away, described hearing an overwhelming number of gunshots, emphasizing the severity of the incident.
As of the latest updates, no suspects have been identified, and no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting. The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office has urged anyone with information to come forward, providing contact details for anonymous tips. Investigators continue to follow leads, but details regarding potential motives or suspects remain scarce. The case has left Stringfield’s family and the Dudley community searching for answers, mourning the loss of a beloved elder whose life was cut short in a brutal act of violence.