Anthony James Delts was found dead of gunshot wounds on July 1, 2023, in a room at the Red Roof Inn on Roosevelt Boulevard in Monroe, North Carolina. The Monroe Police Department responded to reports of a shooting at about 11:48 p.m. and discovered the 18-year-old upon arrival. Delts, an aspiring musician who performed as axtfrmny and had recently graduated from Monroe High School, had written more than 800 songs; his family remembers him as kind, loving, and caring.

Investigators identified three juvenile suspects in the shooting. One was taken into custody shortly after the incident, and by July 12, 2023, all three were reported to be in secure custody; their identities have not been released because of their ages. Police have not disclosed a motive or the specific circumstances that led to the shooting and describe the investigation as active.

Residents at the motel said a party involving multiple minors was occurring in a room that night and some questioned how underage guests were able to rent a room given the motel’s policy prohibiting check-in by those under 18. The community has been left shaken and some residents say they are reconsidering stays at the motel because of safety concerns.

If anyone has information that could help clarify what happened that night, please contact the Monroe Police Department.