On January 1, 2023, 33-year-old Juan Nikely Avalo was fatally shot at his residence on Burlington Avenue in Gastonia, North Carolina. The incident involved off-duty Ranlo Police Officer Kwaku "Riley" Agyapon, who used his service weapon during the altercation.
The sequence of events leading to the shooting began in November 2022, when Officer Agyapon responded to a domestic dispute at Avalo's home. During this encounter, Avalo was accused of assaulting a woman named Krystal Ortiz.
Subsequently, Agyapon maintained contact with Ortiz via phone. On December 31, 2022, Avalo discovered Agyapon's contact information in Ortiz's phone, prompting him to call the officer. The two men exchanged heated words and agreed to meet for a physical confrontation. Agyapon suggested meeting at a QuikTrip gas station, but Avalo indicated that the officer knew his residence.
In the early hours of January 1, 2023, Officer Agyapon arrived at Avalo's home in his personal vehicle, armed with his service weapon. A physical altercation ensued, during which Avalo reportedly stabbed Agyapon. Despite Avalo eventually dropping the knife and attempting to flee, Agyapon fired his weapon multiple times, striking Avalo once in the head. Avalo was transported to CaroMont Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Following the incident, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, in collaboration with the Gaston County District Attorney's Office, conducted a thorough investigation. As a result, Officer Agyapon was charged with first-degree murder and placed on unpaid administrative leave. He was subsequently terminated from his position with the Ranlo Police Department.
Avalo's death has had a profound impact on his family, leaving his partner without her soulmate and his children without their father. A GoFundMe campaign was established to assist the family with funeral expenses and to provide financial support during this difficult time.
