Melvin Jacoby Wiley was 16 when he was found dead from gunshot wounds on August 25, 2022, in woods adjacent to the Graham Village Apartments on East Hanover Road in Graham, North Carolina. A junior at Walter M. Williams High School, he enjoyed football, fishing, rapping and video games, and was described as close to his family and devoted to the Lord.

On the night of August 25 police had earlier responded to a shots fired call at the apartment complex and taken an 18-year-old with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the hospital. A missing persons report to Burlington police prompted Graham officers to return and canvass the area, where Melvin and another 16-year-old boy were found deceased.

Two juveniles, a 14-year-old and a 17-year-old, were charged with first-degree murder. The 17-year-old, Tyshon Wiley, identified as Melvin’s cousin, confessed to involvement; both suspects were held in secure custody and the 17-year-old’s case was transferred to superior court. The motive remains unclear and families said they could not understand why the killings happened.

If anyone knew Melvin or saw activity around the Graham Village Apartments on August 25, 2022, please come forward with information.