Shortly before dawn on July 6, 2025, gunfire erupted on Wilmington’s downtown riverfront near the 100 block of North Front Street. Patrol officers who heard the shots around 2:30 a.m. found 34-year-old Raquan Wilson gravely wounded; he was treated at the scene, taken to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, and later died of his injuries. The Wilmington Police Department has classified the incident as a homicide.

Detectives canvassed the block, reviewed surveillance footage and appealed to anyone who was nearby in the early hours to come forward, including via Tip 411. Authorities later requested help identifying a suspect, indicating they had surveillance images or witness descriptions to follow, but no arrests had been announced as of the latest local reports. The family has publicly expressed shock and grief and urged the community to assist.

If anyone was on North Front Street that night or has footage or information, please contact the Wilmington Police Department.