James Bunting dies in fatal Wilmington, North Carolina shooting

James Bunting dies in fatal Wilmington, North Carolina shooting

Fatal Wilmington shooting death of James Bunting – Obituary

James Bunting, a 53-year-old man, has been identified as the victim who died following a shooting that occurred on New Year’s Day in Wilmington, according to local authorities.

The Wilmington Police Department reported that officers were dispatched to the 2600 block of Constitution Boulevard at about 8 a.m. on January 1 after receiving calls about gunfire. When officers arrived, they located Bunting suffering from a gunshot wound.

Bunting was transported to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment, but despite medical efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries.

Police said a suspect was taken into custody in connection with the case. Earl Hardy Jr., 55, was arrested at a rest area in Virginia after investigators obtained a warrant charging him with first-degree murder. Authorities noted that assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Virginia State Police helped lead to the arrest.

Hardy Jr. is expected to be extradited back to New Hanover County to face charges as the legal process continues.

The shooting remains under active investigation. Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Wilmington Police Department or submit tips anonymously through Tip 411.