ASHEBORO, N.C. — A fatal shooting in Asheboro on Saturday evening left one man dead and another injured after a dispute escalated into gunfire in a Marshalls parking lot, according to the Asheboro Police Department.
Authorities reported that the incident began just after 7:00 p.m. when officers were dispatched to the store’s parking area following multiple 911 calls about shots fired. Callers told dispatchers that one man had been shot on the scene, while another individual left in a red Ford F-250 pickup truck.
When police arrived, they located 23-year-old Alexander Benitez-Hernandez suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers immediately began life-saving efforts until emergency medical services arrived. Despite their attempts, Benitez-Hernandez was pronounced dead at the scene.
Meanwhile, the red pickup truck described in the emergency calls was located a short time later on East Salisbury Street. Officers performed a traffic stop and discovered that the driver had also been shot, sustaining a leg injury. He was quickly identified as a participant in the shooting. The man was transported to a hospital outside the county to receive treatment for injuries that were described as non-life-threatening.
Investigators determined that the two men had initially gotten into a heated verbal confrontation inside one of the businesses in the shopping center. That argument then spilled into the parking lot, where tensions escalated further. Both men reportedly pulled out firearms and exchanged gunfire, leaving each of them wounded. Tragically, Benitez-Hernandez did not survive his injuries.
At this point, no charges have been filed in connection with the case, but police confirmed that the investigation remains active. Detectives with the Asheboro Police Department are continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses to piece together the exact sequence of events that led to the violent encounter.
The shooting has drawn concern in the community, as it unfolded in a busy commercial area where families often shop and dine on weekends. Police have not indicated whether any bystanders were placed in direct danger during the exchange of gunfire, though no other injuries were reported.
Authorities have also not released the name of the surviving individual, noting that the case is still under review. Additional updates, including possible criminal charges, are expected as the investigation progresses.
The Asheboro Police Department emphasized its commitment to conducting a thorough inquiry to ensure accountability and community safety. Officials also urged anyone with information or who may have witnessed the events leading up to the shooting to contact investigators.
This incident highlights the dangers of disputes escalating into deadly violence when firearms are involved. What began as a verbal disagreement ultimately ended with the loss of a young man’s life and another hospitalized. The community is left waiting for answers as law enforcement continues working to determine how and why the confrontation reached such a tragic outcome.
