A 19-year-old Wilson woman is in critical condition after being shot multiple times Monday afternoon outside the Wilson County Courthouse in what authorities believe was a retaliatory attack connected to a previous homicide investigation.
The victim was identified as Latoya Andrea Lucas, who was previously charged in connection with the June 23, 2026, killing of 16-year-old Ladarrius “D’Baby” Simmons. Lucas remains hospitalized in critical condition following the shooting.
According to Wilson County Sheriff Calvin Woodard Jr., the suspect, identified as Abdul Karim Mustafa, allegedly shot Lucas multiple times before firing at responding law enforcement officers.
The Wilson Police Department declared a critical incident in downtown Wilson shortly before 11 a.m. Monday after gunfire was reported at or near the courthouse. During a news conference, Sheriff Woodard said Mustafa fired at officers following the shooting.
A Wilson County deputy was struck in his ballistic vest, while a Wilson police officer was hit in the arm. Both injuries were described as non-life-threatening, and officials said both officers are expected to recover.
Authorities confirmed Mustafa was taken into custody, and officials said there is no ongoing threat to the public. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is assisting with the investigation.
The shooting comes weeks after the death of 16-year-old Ladarrius “D’Baby” Simmons, who was fatally shot inside a Spruce Street home in Wilson on June 23. Investigators later charged Jamel Hines, 18, with murder in connection with Simmons’ death.
On June 29, Latoya Andrea Lucas and Valenta Deondra Lucas, 41, were arrested as part of the homicide investigation. Latoya Lucas was charged with felony accessory after the fact to murder and felony obstructing justice, with authorities alleging she provided false information to help the suspected shooter avoid detection.
Following Monday’s courthouse shooting, the family of Ladarrius Simmons released a statement denying any involvement in the violence.
The family said they were at the courthouse seeking justice for Ladarrius and had no connection to the shooting that occurred. They condemned retaliation and violence, asking the community to allow the legal system to handle the case.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots and seeing people running from the courthouse area as the incident unfolded.
The investigation into the courthouse shooting remains ongoing as authorities continue gathering evidence and working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the attack.
