The year began with tragedy — and deadly gun violence has continued.
A fatal shooting on New Year’s Day marked the first of 11 shooting deaths in the city of Wilmington in 2026. One of those incidents was an officer-related shooting. Investigations in three of the other 10 cases are open.
By comparison, Wilmington recorded six fatal shootings in 2025. From Jan. 1, 2025-Aug. 18, 2026, Wilmington recorded 15 firearm-related homicides. Police have cleared 11 of those cases while four remain under investigation, per city statistics.
“One homicide is one too many,” Wilmington Police Chief Ryan Zuidema said.
Here are fatal shootings that have occurred in Wilmington this year.
James Bunting
Where: 2600 block of Constitution Boulevard
When: Jan. 1
Details: James Bunting,
53, was the victim of a shooting in The Pines of Wilmington apartment complex off Shipyard Boulevard. Later that night, authorities arrested Earl Hardy Jr. of Wilmington at a Virginia rest stop and charged him with first-degree murder, according to a Wilmington Police Department news release. Police said the suspect and the victim were known to each other.
Zachary Smith
Where: 4900 block of Pepys Lane
When: Jan. 10
Details: Officers found Zachary Smith, 21, of Wilmington with a single gunshot wound. He was taken to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, where he died. Charles Lane, 21, was charged with involuntary manslaughter. Police said the shooting was unintentional.
Dajour Ellison
Where: 800 block of Emory Street
When: Jan. 26
Details: Dajour Ellison, 20, of Wilmington was found with a gunshot wound and later died at a hospital. Don Nixon III, 24, of Wilmington was charged with first-degree murder, two counts of discharging a weapon onto occupied property, and possession of a firearm by a felon, according to court records.
Daryl Scott
Where: 700 block of Marstellar Street
When: March 3
Details: Daryl Scott, 42, was identified as the victim. No arrests have been announced in the case as of Sept. 25.
Demetria Ingram
Where: 1300 block of Dawson Street
When: March 8
Details: Demetria Ingram, 29, of Wilmington died at the scene after being shot, police said. Marvin Singleton, 46, of Wilmington was charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a felon and parole violation, police said.
Edilberto Espinoza Sierra
Where: Market Street parking deck
When: March 8
Details: Edilberto Espinoza Sierra, 21, of Willard was shot and killed by law enforcement officers after authorities said he refused commands to stop the vehicle and exit. Following an investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, District Attorney Jason Smith said no charges would be filed against the seven officers involved since deadly force was justified.
Kamari McNeil
Where: 200 block of Sunn Aire Court
When: March 23
Details: Kamari McNeil, 17, was shot and killed. Another person was wounded and taken to a hospital for treatment, police said. No arrests have been announced by police.
Emir Moore
Where: 141 North Front St.
When: June 6
Details: Emir Moore, 23, died from a gunshot wound at the scene of the former Unhinged Bar, which has since closed. Trayquan Maleak Hasty was charged with first-degree murder and carrying a concealed gun, police said.
Cynsire Keyasia Love
Where: Cypress Cove Apartments
When: June 16
Details: Cynsire Keyasia Love, 20, of Wilmington was shot at her residence by Anthony Nasir Sincere Hardy, according to a police incident report. Hardy was charged with first-degree murder after Love died as a result of her injuries.
Titus Singleton
Where: 1500 block of South 12th Street
When: July 11.
Details: Titus Singleton, 44, of Wilmington died at the scene after suffering multiple gunshot wounds, police said. The investigation remains open.
Boy, 14
Where: South Fifth Avenue/Dawson Street area
When: Sept. 8.
Details: A 14-year-old boy died in a hospital later that night after being found with life-threatening injuries, police said. Two Wilmington men, Dorian Maurice McNeil, 24, and Sencere Maurice Ortiz, 22, were each charged with first-degree murderand robbery with a dangerous weapon, according to court records. Alexis Ervina Monee Johnson, 25, of Rocky Point was charged with accessory after the fact, a felony.
Bob Liepa is the city of Wilmington and public safety reporter for the StarNews. You can reach him at RLiepa@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Deadly year sees 11 fatal shootings in Wilmington. Here are the lives lost.
