New details that emerged Tuesday shed light on a possible motive behind Monday morning’s shooting outside the Wilson County courthouse.
The woman who was targeted and shot was identified as Latoya Lucas. Lucas is the sister of Jamel Hines, who was charged with killing LaDarrius Simmons last month.
Other WRAL Top Stories
Hines, who turned 18 last week, faces a felony murder charge in Simmons’ death. Simmons was fatally shot June 23 at a home on Spruce Street. Court records show Lucas, 19, also faces charges of obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact in connection with Simmons’ killing.
The man charged with shooting Lucas on Monday, Abdul Mustafa, 21, posted a tribute to Simmons on Facebook on July 3 and attended a balloon release held in Simmons’ memory.
Simmons’ mother, Kim Simmons, said she did not know Mustafa and that he was not a relative or extended family member.
Wilson County Sheriff Calvin Woodard Jr. said Monday’s shooting appeared to be an act of revenge.
Surveillance video shows Mustafa video waiting on a bench outside the courthouse Monday morning, Woodard said. The video showed him approach Lucas as she walked toward the courthouse.
Woodard said Lucas was shot multiple times, and she was in critical condition Monday afternoon.
Mustafa then ran several blocks until he encountered a Wilson County sheriff's deputy and a Wilson police officer, Woodard said. Mustafa and the law enforcement officers exchanged gunfire.
Mustafa faces charges of attempted first-degree murder, going armed to the terror of the public, discharging a firearm within city limits and damage to real property.
