Sean E. Spencer, a 50-year-old Black man, was killed in the early morning hours of July 18, 2018, after rushing outside his Wilmington home to protect his son from an armed stranger. Shortly before 3:00 a.m., Spencer’s 21-year-old son was preparing to leave for a UPS shift when an unknown gunman appeared near the family vehicle and pointed a firearm at the young man’s head. The disturbance woke Spencer and his wife, Ann.

When Spencer ran outside to help, a struggle or commotion unfolded as the son tried to retreat toward the house. The assailant opened fire, striking Spencer in the chest; he collapsed near the steps and later died of his wound despite being taken for medical treatment. The son was not physically injured and the shooter fled the scene. Ann Spencer and relatives described Sean, nicknamed Puffy, as a devoted husband, father and grandfather who was dependable and generous.

Does anyone have information about who the gunman was or saw anything that morning on West Fifth Street?