A person was shot and killed early Sunday morning at a Fayetteville apartment complex, marking another homicide in a city that has seen a significant uptick in violent deaths this year after experiencing historic lows in 2024. The shooting occurred at Liberty Square Apartments in the Westover area, a neighborhood typically considered safer than much of Fayetteville.
Fayetteville police responded to the fatal shooting just before 3:30 a.m. in the 3600 block of Dornoch Drive, according to WRAL. Officers discovered a person suffering from a gunshot wound who was pronounced dead at the scene. ABC11 reports that the victim's identity has not been released, and no suspect information has been provided by authorities.
The incident has been classified as a homicide investigation, with Detectives A. Wolford and J. Bergamine leading the case. The Fayetteville Observer confirmed the shooting took place within the Liberty Square Apartment complex off Yadkin Road.
Context of Rising Violence in 2025
This latest fatal shooting contributes to a troubling trend in Fayetteville, where homicides have increased significantly in 2025 after the city experienced its lowest murder rate in over a decade just last year. CityView reports that there have been 22 homicides so far this year in connection with 20 incidents, compared to only three homicides at this same time in 2024.
The dramatic increase represents a sharp reversal from 2024's positive trends. According to CityView, former Police Chief Kemberle Braden reported that homicides were down 57% in 2024, with only 16 confirmed homicides in the first three quarters compared to previous years when the city recorded 53 homicides in 2023.
Recent Apartment Complex Shootings
The Dornoch Drive shooting follows a pattern of recent deadly violence at Fayetteville apartment complexes. In May 2025, WRAL reported that Donte Maurice Vanclief, 36, was shot multiple times in the chest at an apartment complex in the 600 block of Barton's Landing Place near Cliffdale Road. Vanclief was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
These incidents reflect broader challenges facing apartment communities in Fayetteville. ABC11 previously reported on residents' safety concerns at other complexes, including Cross Creek Pointe Apartments, where tenants described frequent shootings and expressed fears about ongoing gun violence in their community.
Crime Statistics and Context
Despite Sunday's shooting, the Westover neighborhood where Liberty Square Apartments is located typically experiences lower crime rates than much of Fayetteville. CrimeGrade analysis shows that Westover receives an A- grade for safety, ranking in the 81st percentile nationally, meaning 19% of cities are safer and 81% are more dangerous.
However, Fayetteville as a whole continues to struggle with violent crime. NeighborhoodScout's analysis indicates that Fayetteville has one of the highest crime rates in America, with a total crime rate 91% higher than the national average. The city experiences an average of 25.39 daily crimes, comprising 5.6 violent incidents and 19.79 property-related offenses.
Law Enforcement Response
Interim Police Chief Todd Joyce has acknowledged the uptick in homicides this year and emphasized that his department is investigating root causes of the incidents. In April, Joyce told CityView that community input and assistance remain invaluable, encouraging anyone with information to come forward.
The police department has made 12 arrests in connection to this year's homicides as of late April. Joyce indicated that most of the homicides were not random acts of violence, as victims and perpetrators typically knew each other.
Community Impact
The shooting has left the Liberty Square Apartments community and broader Westover area grappling with the reality of violence in what is generally considered one of Fayetteville's safer neighborhoods. The area is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to Fort Bragg, with many military families choosing to live in the community.
Built in 2012, Liberty Square Apartments is a 72-unit complex that has typically been viewed as affordable housing for military families and young professionals in the area.
Anyone with information about Sunday's shooting is asked to contact Detective A. Wolford at 910-705-2141 or Detective J. Bergamine at 910-705-2093. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Fayetteville/Cumberland County CrimeStoppers by calling 910-483-8477 or electronically at fay-nccrimestoppers.org.
