In the quiet of a Sunday evening, the stillness of a Fayetteville mobile home community was shattered by the sharp crack of gunfire. Just before 7:40 p.m. on August 17, 2025, the 7100 block of Chinoak Drive, nestled off South Reilly Road, became the scene of a devastating shooting that claimed a life and left a community reeling. The Fayetteville Police Department responded swiftly to frantic 911 calls reporting multiple gunshots, arriving to find a grim tableau of violence: one man fatally wounded and two others injured, their lives forever altered in a matter of moments.
The man who lost his life was 29-year-old Wesley Wilson, a Fayetteville resident whose name now joins the growing list of those taken too soon by gun violence. Wilson was rushed to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, where despite the efforts of medical staff, he was pronounced dead. The loss of this young man has sent ripples of grief through his family, friends, and the broader community, leaving behind questions that demand answers. Two other victims, found with gunshot wounds at the scene, were also transported to a nearby hospital. Authorities have reported that their injuries, while serious, are not life-threatening, offering a small glimmer of hope amid the tragedy. The identities of these individuals remain undisclosed as police continue their investigation.
The shooting unfolded in a mobile home park just a few blocks north of U.S. 401, a place where neighbors once felt the comfort of familiarity but now grapple with the unease of violence in their midst. As of late Sunday night, no suspects had been apprehended, and the motive behind the shooting remains shrouded in mystery. Was this a targeted act, a moment of senseless rage, or something else entirely? Detectives with the Fayetteville Police Department’s Homicide Unit are working tirelessly to piece together the events that led to this heartbreaking outcome, combing through evidence and witness accounts in search of clarity.
The investigation is far from over, and authorities are leaning on the community for help. Detective D. Jackson, leading the charge, has urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that even the smallest detail could be the key to unlocking the truth. He can be reached directly at (910) 751-9363. For those who prefer anonymity, Fayetteville/Cumberland County Crimestoppers offers a lifeline, accepting tips at (910) 483-TIPS (8477), through their online portal at fay-nccrimestoppers.org, or via the free “P3 Tips” app available on both Apple and Google Play stores. The police are counting on the courage of witnesses to help bring justice for Wesley Wilson and closure for those left in the wake of this tragedy.
This shooting marks Fayetteville’s 28th homicide investigation of 2025, a sobering statistic that underscores the persistent challenge of gun violence in the city. Just two days prior, on August 15, another life was lost on Poplar Drive, where 53-year-old Jamie Jones was found dead in a front yard, riddled with bullets. In that case, a suspect—Calvin Foster Jr., Jones’ son-in-law—was charged with first-degree murder, offering a measure of resolution. But for the victims of Chinoak Drive, answers remain elusive, and the pain of loss lingers.
Wesley Wilson’s death is more than a number in a grim tally; it is a stark reminder of the human cost of violence. A young man with dreams, connections, and a future was taken in an instant, leaving loved ones to navigate an unimaginable void. As the community mourns, the call for justice grows louder, urging residents to unite in the face of tragedy and work toward a safer tomorrow. For now, the investigation presses on, and the hope remains that those responsible will be held accountable, bringing some measure of peace to a grieving city.