On July 1, 2023, 18-year-old Anthony James Delts was found deceased from gunshot wounds in a room at the Red Roof Inn on Roosevelt Boulevard in Monroe, North Carolina. The Monroe Police Department responded to reports of a shooting around 11:48 p.m. and discovered Delts' body upon arrival.
Delts, known by the rap name "axtfrmny," was an aspiring musician and a recent graduate of Monroe High School. He had written over 800 songs and was determined to succeed in his music career.
His family remembers him as a kind, loving, and caring individual whose presence could light up a room.
The investigation into Delts' death led to the identification of three juvenile suspects. One suspect was taken into custody shortly after the incident, and by July 12, 2023, all three were in secure custody. Due to their ages, the identities of the suspects have not been released. The Monroe Police Department has not disclosed information regarding the motive behind the shooting, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Residents of the Red Roof Inn reported that a party involving multiple minors was taking place in one of the rooms on the night of the shooting. Some residents expressed concerns about how the minors were able to rent a room, as motel policy typically prohibits guests under the age of 18 from checking in. The incident has left the community shaken, with some residents reconsidering their stay at the motel due to safety concerns.
As of now, the case remains an active homicide investigation. The Monroe Police Department continues to withhold further details, including the motive and specific circumstances leading up to the shooting, pending the outcome of the investigation. They have urged anyone with information to come forward to assist in bringing closure to the case.
