WILSON, N.C. — A mother and her son were fatally shot Monday afternoon in Wilson after an eviction dispute escalated into violence. Authorities have identified the victims as 44-year-old Natasha Latrice Sutton and her 21-year-old son, Avantae Pender.
The shooting occurred around 2 p.m. on September 15 in the 500 block of Washington Street. According to Wilson police, the suspect, 39-year-old Donta Chestnut, was attempting to force Sutton and her son out of their home when the confrontation turned deadly. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots as neighbors rushed to call 911.
Sutton and Pender were both pronounced dead at the scene. Police confirmed that another woman, 37-year-old Tiffany Fogg, was also struck by gunfire. She was rushed to Wilson Medical Center, where she is recovering from non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities say Fogg is expected to survive.
Investigators quickly identified Chestnut as the suspected gunman. He was taken into custody without further incident and is now facing two counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder. Police said Chestnut’s actions appeared to stem from a long-running dispute over the property where the victims lived.
The deaths of Sutton and Pender have shaken the Washington Street community, where both were remembered as kind, family-oriented individuals. Neighbors described Sutton as a devoted mother and Avantae as a hardworking young man with a bright future. Community members left flowers and candles near the home as they mourned the sudden and violent loss.
Authorities emphasized the gravity of the case, with police pledging to pursue justice for the victims. Chestnut remains in custody as the investigation continues. Officials say further details will be released as the case moves through court. In the meantime, the Wilson community is left grieving two lives taken far too soon, while rallying around Tiffany Fogg as she recovers from her injuries.