Wilson, NC — Mother and Son Fatally Shot in Eviction Dispute
WILSON, N.C. — A mother and her son were tragically killed Monday afternoon in a shooting that police say stemmed from an eviction dispute. Authorities confirmed the victims as 44-year-old Natasha Latrice Sutton and her 21-year-old son, Avantae Pender, both of Wilson.
The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Donta Chestnut, was arrested shortly after the incident and is now facing two counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder.
What Happened
The violence unfolded around 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 15, on Washington Street in Wilson. According to investigators, Chestnut was attempting to forcibly evict Sutton and Pender from their residence when a confrontation broke out. The dispute escalated rapidly, resulting in gunfire that claimed two lives and injured another person.
The Victims
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Natasha Latrice Sutton, 44 — remembered as a dedicated mother and community-minded woman who worked hard to care for her family.
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Avantae Pender, 21 — Sutton’s son, described by neighbors as a young man with promise and a kind spirit.
Both mother and son were pronounced dead at the scene. Their deaths have sent shockwaves through the Wilson community, where friends and neighbors have already begun leaving flowers and candles outside the home.
A third victim, 37-year-old Tiffany Fogg, was also struck during the shooting. She was rushed to Wilson Medical Center, where doctors confirmed her injuries are non-life-threatening. Fogg is currently recovering and is expected to survive.
The Suspect and Charges
Chestnut was quickly taken into custody by the Wilson Police Department. Officers say the suspect was armed at the time of his arrest but surrendered without further incident.
He now faces:
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Two counts of first-degree murder
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One count of attempted first-degree murder
Chestnut remains behind bars as the investigation continues. Authorities have not yet said whether additional charges could be filed.
Community Impact
The shooting has devastated the Wilson community, where Sutton and Pender were well known. Local leaders and clergy members have called for unity and support for the grieving family. Many in the neighborhood have expressed frustration over the senselessness of the violence, noting that disputes such as evictions should never escalate to deadly confrontations.
“This is heartbreaking,” one neighbor said. “They didn’t deserve this. Natasha was a strong woman, and Avantae had his whole life ahead of him.”
Ongoing Investigation
The Wilson Police Department and District Attorney’s Office are working together to prepare the case for trial. Authorities are also reviewing the circumstances surrounding the attempted eviction, including whether legal eviction procedures had been followed.
Officials encourage anyone with additional information about the case to contact the Wilson Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
A Community in Mourning
As candles flicker at the memorial site and family members brace for funeral arrangements, Sutton and Pender’s names now join a tragic list of lives lost to gun violence in North Carolina this year. Their loved ones are left to pick up the pieces, remembering a mother and son whose lives were cut far too short.
