WILSON, North Carolina — A shooting outside the Wilson County Courthouse Monday afternoon left a 19-year-old woman and two law enforcement officers injured, with authorities calling the incident an apparent retaliatory attack connected to a previous homicide investigation. The victim, Latoya Andrea Lucas, 19, of Wilson, was shot multiple times and remains in critical condition at an area hospital. Lucas had previously been charged in connection with the June 23, 2026, killing of 16-year-old Ladarrius “D’Baby” Simmons.
Authorities identified the suspect as 21-year-old Abdul Karim Mustafa, who was taken into custody following the shooting. Officials said Mustafa allegedly shot Lucas before firing at responding law enforcement officers. The incident unfolded shortly before 11 a.m. Monday when the Wilson Police Department declared a critical incident in downtown Wilson after gunfire was reported near the courthouse.
According to Wilson County Sheriff Calvin Woodard Jr., a deputy was struck in his ballistic vest and a Wilson police officer was hit in the arm during the exchange of gunfire. Both officers suffered non-life-threatening injuries and are expected to recover.
Officials said there is no ongoing threat to the public. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is assisting with the investigation. The shooting comes weeks after Simmons was fatally shot inside a Spruce Street home in Wilson. Investigators later charged 18-year-old Jamel Hines with murder in connection with the case.
On June 29, Lucas and 41-year-old Valenta Deondra Lucas were arrested during the homicide investigation. Lucas was charged with felony accessory after the fact to murder and felony obstructing justice. Following Monday’s shooting, Simmons’ family released a statement denying any involvement in the courthouse violence. The family said they were present to seek justice for Ladarrius and condemned any act of retaliation or violence.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots and seeing people flee the area as the incident unfolded. The investigation remains active as authorities continue working to determine the events that led to the downtown Wilson courthouse shooting.