In the predawn silence of Saturday, June 14, 2025, a tragedy unfolded in the heart of Statesville, North Carolina, that would send shockwaves through the entire community. At approximately 5:35 a.m., officers with the Statesville Police Department were dispatched to the 100 block of East Allison Street following urgent reports of gunfire. When they arrived, they were met with a scene of unimaginable pain: 25-year-old D’Angelo Malindsay Barker lay critically wounded in the roadway, suffering from gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen.

The officers, acting with urgency and resolve, began administering life-saving measures on-site. Iredell County EMS quickly joined the efforts, but despite all attempts to save him, Barker was pronounced dead at the scene. The location—a quiet residential area typically untouched by such violence—was soon transformed into a cordoned-off crime scene as investigators arrived to determine what had led to the sudden loss of a young life.

In the hours and days that followed, Barker’s death has reverberated throughout the Statesville community. D’Angelo, born and raised in Statesville, was described by those closest to him as a determined and generous soul, someone deeply rooted in family and driven by a sense of purpose. At just 25, he had dreams of uplifting the people around him and building a future filled with promise, not only for himself but for those he loved.

The police department’s Violent Crimes and Criminal Investigations Units took swift control of the crime scene, securing the area, collecting forensic evidence, and canvassing the neighborhood for potential witnesses. No arrests have been made as of this writing, and officials have not released details about any suspects. The investigation remains active, with detectives urging anyone—regardless of the size or significance of the information they possess—to come forward. Anonymous tips are welcomed and could prove crucial in uncovering the full story behind the deadly shooting.

“This is a tragedy that has shaken our entire department and the community,” said a spokesperson for the Statesville Police Department. “We offer our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of D’Angelo Barker. We are doing everything in our power to bring justice to his loved ones.”

The neighborhood on East Allison Street remained closed to the public for several hours as authorities meticulously combed the area. Yellow police tape and flashing patrol car lights were grim reminders of the violence that had erupted. Residents, many still in disbelief, stood outside their homes watching investigators work. Some shared quiet conversations, some wept, and others expressed concern about what the shooting might signal for the safety and future of their community.

The timing of the incident—so early in the morning—adds to the horror and confusion. What sequence of events could have possibly led to gunfire on a street where many families were just beginning their day? For now, those questions remain unanswered, compounding the grief with uncertainty.

Friends of D’Angelo have taken to social media to share memories and express disbelief. Heartfelt tributes have poured in, each one echoing a common theme: the loss is incomprehensible. “You didn’t deserve this, D’Angelo,” wrote one friend on Facebook. “Your heart was too big for this world. We were just talking about your plans. I can’t believe you’re gone.” These messages form a digital mosaic of mourning, capturing the deep void left by Barker’s sudden death.

In a city that, like many others across the country, is grappling with the rise of violence—particularly among young adults—Barker’s death feels all too emblematic of a broader crisis. Communities are being called upon to respond not only to individual acts of violence but to the systemic conditions that allow such violence to take root. The toll is especially heavy in places like Statesville, where strong community ties make each loss personal and deeply felt.

City officials and local advocacy groups have, in recent years, advocated for violence prevention initiatives, youth mentorship programs, and stronger neighborhood policing partnerships. But such measures take time and resources—and the tragic death of D’Angelo Barker is a sobering reminder that progress is urgently needed. Conversations about safety, opportunity, and justice are growing louder, spurred by the pain of grieving families who demand action.

As investigators continue working through evidence and seeking witness cooperation, family and friends are planning ways to honor Barker’s memory. A memorial is currently being organized, with details expected to be shared in the coming days. Supporters have also discussed fundraising efforts to assist with funeral costs and provide financial and emotional support to the Barker family during this devastating time.

While police continue their pursuit of justice, others are turning inward to ask how to build a future where young lives like D’Angelo’s are protected, not prematurely ended. His death, while a personal and painful tragedy, has become a symbol for a much wider yearning—for healing, for justice, for transformation. His memory now fuels a larger dialogue about the kind of community Statesville wants to be—and what must be done to become it.

The Statesville Police Department is asking that anyone with information about the case call them at 704-878-3406. The smallest details can often make the biggest difference in a criminal investigation, and public cooperation remains essential.

As the city mourns, one message rings clear: D’Angelo Malindsay Barker will not be forgotten. The sorrow surrounding his passing is matched only by the love and admiration of those who knew him best. In memory, he remains a brother, a son, a friend, and a dreamer—someone who had more to give, more to experience, and more life ahead of him.

May his memory inspire a renewed commitment to peace, unity, and the protection of young lives in Statesville and beyond.