In the early hours of October 15, 2023, at approximately 3:10 a.m., officers from the Winston-Salem Police Department responded to reports of a shooting in the 2500 block of Fanning Oaks Drive. Upon arrival, they found 24-year-old Nicolas Hurtado-Ruiz suffering from a gunshot wound to his back. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment; however, he later succumbed to his injuries.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Hurtado-Ruiz was a passenger in a work van involved in a minor collision with an unidentified vehicle occupied by four Hispanic males, some armed with handguns. Following the collision, the occupants of the unknown vehicle pursued the work van, and at least one individual fired multiple shots, striking Hurtado-Ruiz.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and the suspects remain unidentified. The Winston-Salem Police Department continues to investigate the incident and urges anyone with information to come forward to assist in bringing those responsible to justice.
Hurtado-Ruiz's death has left a void in the community, with family and friends mourning the loss of a young life. A memorial page has been established in his honor, allowing loved ones to pay their respects and share memories.
The community remains hopeful that with public cooperation, the perpetrators will be apprehended, providing some measure of closure to Hurtado-Ruiz's family and ensuring justice is served. Authorities continue to encourage anyone with pertinent information to contact the Winston-Salem Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
