Vincent Lamont Blakely, 35, was shot and killed on April 18, 2017, about 1 p.m. on Gores Row between Dock and Orange streets in Wilmington, North Carolina. Numerous people were reportedly present when Blakely was shot, but investigators initially struggled to obtain cooperation from witnesses.

Authorities later identified 35-year-old Anthony Darelle Stokes as the suspect. Stokes was arrested by U.S. Marshals in Thomasville on October 3, 2017, and charged with second-degree murder and possessing a firearm as a felon. Investigators say the shooting stemmed from a dispute involving a third man; a key development came when GPS monitoring records showed seven people on probation were in the area at the time, which helped place Stokes at the scene. Stokes admitted being present after his arrest.

Stokes appeared in New Hanover County District Court on October 5, 2017. Prosecutors noted his extensive criminal history, and Judge Chad Hogston set bail at $2 million. The death of Blakely underscores community concerns about gun violence and witness cooperation.

If anyone knew Vincent Blakely, his activities that day, or has information about the shooting, please share what is known.