Last Updated on February 27, 2026 1:47 pm
Wilkesboro, NC: On Thursday, February 26, 2026, at approximately 8:15 p.m. the Wilkes County 911 Center received a call of a shooting that had occurred at Covington Way Apartments located at 1006 Gateway Ave in Wilkesboro.
When the first officers arrived on scene they were guided to the apartment where the incident occurred. Once at the apartment the officers found two victims suffering from gun shot wounds. Officers secured the scene and began giving what medical aid they could to the victims until Wilkes EMS and Wilkesboro Fire personnel arrived on scene to continue medical treatment.
The first victim identified as Paula Williams, 43 of Wilkesboro was treated at the scene and transported to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston Salem with non-life-threatening injuries.
The second victim identified as Terry Williams, 6,1 of Wilkesboro, was found inside the apartment with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot. Wilkes EMS provided medical treatment to Mr. Williams however he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Wilkesboro Police Investigators, with the assistance of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Crime Scene personnel worked throughout the night conducting the investigation.
The investigation into this incident has determined that this was the result of a domestic argument that resulted in Mr. Williams shooting Ms. Williams once. Mr. Williams then turned the gun on himself suffering a self-inflicted gunshot wound resulting in his death. The investigation is still continuing, however we do not expect to make any arrests and there are no additional persons being sought in this incident.
The Wilkesboro Police Department wish to express condolences to the victims and the families affected by this tragic incident. They would also like to thank all the agencies that responded and assisted in this investigation.
