Redmond Barnes Jr., a 39-year-old African American man, was killed by gunshot on September 1, 2018, at an apartment complex on Black Creek Road in Wilson, North Carolina. The shooting happened about 10:07 p.m. His nephew, Elliot Barnes, 34, was also shot and later died despite first responders’ efforts.

The suspect, identified as 43-year-old Shontez Barnes, was found armed on the roof of the apartment building and surrendered after a short standoff. He was charged with two counts of murder. During the trial, Wilson police officers testified and the prosecution presented extensive evidence; a jury of seven women and five men found Shontez Barnes guilty of two counts of first-degree murder. He was sentenced to two life terms without the possibility of parole, with a firearm possession conviction consolidated into the second life sentence for Redmond Barnes Jr.

Family members attended the trial: Carla Barnes, the widow of Redmond Barnes Jr., spoke about the effect on their three children, and Patricia Barnes, mother of Elliot Barnes and sister of Redmond Barnes Jr., was present but did not speak. The community mourned both men. Does anyone have memories of Redmond or Elliot, or information that could shed more light on that night?