A 21-year-old Wilson man accused of ambushing and shooting a 19-year-old woman multiple times on the steps of the Wilson County Courthouse was denied bond during his first court appearance Tuesday morning.
Abdul Karim Mustafa appeared before Judge Caroline Quinn inside the same courthouse where the shooting occurred the previous day. The judge ruled that Mustafa posed a threat to the community and was a flight risk, ordering him held without bond. Mustafa declined the opportunity to speak on his own behalf and was assigned a court-appointed attorney.
Deputies maintained heightened security outside the building during the hearing.
Wilson County Courthouse Shooting
According to Wilson County Sheriff Calvin L. Woodard Jr. and surveillance footage reviewed by investigators, the incident happened around 10:30–10:40 a.m. Monday, July 13, 2026, outside the Wilson County Courthouse on Nash Street in downtown Wilson.
Mustafa, dressed in black clothing and a hoodie, had been sitting on a bench in front of the courthouse. As 19-year-old Latoya Andrea Lucas approached the steps to enter the building, Mustafa stood up, walked toward her, and opened fire, shooting her several times in what authorities are calling an ambush.
Lucas was struck multiple times and collapsed on or near the courthouse steps. She was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition and underwent emergency surgery. As of the latest official updates Monday afternoon, she remained in critical condition.
After the shooting, Mustafa fled on foot several blocks. He eventually encountered a Wilson County Sheriff’s deputy and a Wilson Police officer. An exchange of gunfire followed. Mustafa was shot once in the arm. The deputy, who was wearing body armor, and the police officer both sustained minor injuries but were reported in stable condition.
Mustafa was taken into custody later that afternoon on an adjacent street without further incident. He was treated at a hospital for his arm wound before being booked into the Wilson County Detention Center around 3:46 p.m.
Mustafa currently faces the following charges:
- Attempted first-degree murder
- Going armed to the terror of the public
- Discharging a firearm within the city limits
- Damage to real property
Wilson County District Attorney Jeffrey Marsigli indicated that additional charges are expected as the investigation continues, particularly related to the gunfire exchange with law enforcement officers.
Retaliation Motive Tied to June Teen Murder
Sheriff Woodard and investigators believe Monday’s shooting was an act of retaliation connected to a homicide that occurred several weeks earlier.
On June 23, 2026, 16-year-old Ladarrius “D’baby” Simmons was fatally shot inside a home in the 600 block of Spruce Street in Wilson’s Whitfield Homes subdivision. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A then 17-year-old, Jamel Hines, who knew Simmons was later charged with murder in that case. Latoya Andrea Lucas is the sister of Hines.
Sheriff Woodard stated during a Monday press conference that there is “some connection between [the suspect], the female, and an incident that occurred several weeks ago, and it possibly could have been some form of retaliation.” He added that Monday’s courthouse shooting “appeared to be an act of revenge.”
Officials noted that Mustafa “may be familiar” with Ladarrius Simmons, though the exact nature of any relationship has not been publicly detailed. The Wilson Police Department continues to investigate the June 23 homicide.
Statement from Kim Simmons Melvin, Mother of Ladarrius “D’baby” Simmons:
“Greetings, everyone.
First, I want to thank each of you for the love, support, prayers, and concern you have shown my family following the tragic loss of my son, Ladarrius Simmons. Your kindness has meant more to us than words can express.
In light of today’s incident involving the shooting at the Wilson County Courthouse, I want to make something very clear. My family and I were present only to seek legal justice for my son. We are in no way affiliated with the violent act that occurred.
The individual responsible acted alone and according to his own decisions. Neither my family nor I had any involvement, knowledge, or connection to what took place.
We respectfully ask that no one associate us with this crime or hold us responsible for the actions of another person.
We do not call for violence, retaliation, or revenge. We reject and condemn any act that causes more pain and suffering. Retaliation does not bring healing or justice.
We ask that everyone allow the judicial system to do its work. Above all, we stand on the belief that vengeance belongs to God.
Please continue to keep our family in your prayers as we navigate this heartbreaking journey. Thank you for your continued love and support.
Peacefully, Kim Simmons Melvin
Long Live Ladarrius ❤️🕊”
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is assisting Wilson police with the officer-involved shooting aspects of the case. Authorities have stated there is no active threat to the public.
