83-year-old man killed while sleeping after multiple shots fired into house: Wayne Co. Sheriff

DUDLEY, N.C. (WTVD) -- An 83-year-old man is dead after he was shot inside his home Monday night in Wayne County.

Two bullet holes pierced the front window and several others peppered the front of a home in the 700 block of Pecan Road after Wayne County investigators believe a man was shot and killed as he slept. Crime scene tape surrounds the property as neighbors like Ricky Wells question what led up to the shooting.

"Kind of bizarre because it's so close to home and as many rounds were shot, it was kind of scary," said Wells.

Investigators have identified the victim as 83-year-old Wilbert Stringfield.

Authorities believe there is likely more than one shooter involved as several rounds were fired into the home. When Wayne County EMS arrived, they tried administering life-saving measures, but they couldn't save Stringfield.

Shock lingers throughout the community as residents drive slowly past the home that is now at the center of an investigation.

"The old man would help anybody. He would cut your grass for you. He was just a really good guy," he said.

The shooting remains an ongoing investigation as detectives are following up on multiple leads. Sheriff Larry Pierce asks that anyone with information regarding this investigation contact the Goldsboro-Wayne Crimestoppers at 919-735-2255 or text at 919-222-4230.

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