On December 7, 2023, 22-year-old Niyja Saquan Spain of Brunswick County, North Carolina, tragically lost his life in a shooting incident in Wilmington. The event occurred shortly after 10 p.m. in the parking lot of the MainStay Suites hotel located at 5229 Market Street. Upon arrival, Wilmington Police Department officers found Spain and another victim, 21-year-old Taemon Kirby of Wilmington, deceased at the scene.
According to police reports, the incident began as a meeting between two individuals and two other men for a transaction inside a vehicle. During their interaction, a firearm was discharged from the backseat, striking a front-seat passenger. Subsequently, two men exited the vehicle, with one firing his weapon toward the initial gunfire, hitting a rear passenger multiple times.
In the aftermath of the shooting, authorities took the individual who fired the shots into custody. However, as of the latest available information, the police have not released the name or mugshot of the person detained. The investigation remains active, with detectives continuing to examine evidence related to the case.
In the wake of this tragedy, Spain's family and friends have been mourning his untimely passing. A service to honor his life and legacy was held on December 15, 2023, at the First Baptist Church in Tabor City, North Carolina, followed by interment at Singing Union Cemetery.
The community has been urged to assist with the ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Wilmington Police Department at 910-343-3609 or use the anonymous Tip 411 app.
