FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — A shooting incident that unfolded Sunday morning at a local condominium complex has left one man dead and raised questions about self-defense among eyewitnesses.
The shooting occurred around 10:22 a.m. at the Barton’s Landing Condominium Complex, prompting a swift response from Fayetteville police. Authorities have identified the victim as 36-year-old Donte Maurice Vanclief, but they have yet to provide details regarding potential suspects or any arrests made in connection with the incident.
A witness, who requested anonymity, reported hearing gunshots before capturing video footage of the aftermath. The individual described seeing Vanclief lying on the ground while another man brandished an AK-47, allegedly searching for a third person involved in an attempted robbery. The witness claimed the shooter acted out of fear for his life, suggesting that he believed he was being targeted by individuals plotting against him.
The police confirmed that there is currently no ongoing threat to the community and stated that the investigation is active. “All involved parties are cooperating,” a police spokesperson said in a news release.
Witnesses assert that the shooter was acting in self-defense, with one person remarking, “Without question, he was protecting himself.” This perspective stems from their belief that the shooter had previously been targeted, culminating in this confrontation.
The individual filming the incident maintained a cautious distance, expressing concern about the firearm’s potential danger. “I told my girlfriend to get back because you never know what’s going on through his head,” the witness recalled, worried that the shooter might also pose a risk to bystanders.
As police continue their investigation, evidence from the scene remains, with visible bullet holes marking the side of the building. Eyewitness accounts have garnered significant attention on social media, underscoring the lingering uncertainty around the circumstances of the shooting.
The Fayetteville Police Department has reiterated the ongoing nature of their investigation and encouraged anyone with pertinent information to reach out to them. As the community grapples with the incident, questions about safety and self-defense persist, leaving many anxious for resolution.