GASTONIA, N.C. — A man accused of shooting his ex-girlfriend and killing her family member is in custody, Gastonia police said.
Officers responded to the scene just before 1 p.m. on Herman Drive near Lynhaven Drive, where a man and a woman were shot inside an apartment. The officers found Carlton Scott Rainey, 55, of Gastonia, shot outside of the apartment building.
Authorities confirmed Rainey died at the apartment. A 33-year-old woman had also been shot and was being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Police at the scene were given information that Aaron Lamar Alexander, 34, was the suspect who shot both people and that he had gotten away in a car.
About an hour after the shooting, Gastonia police officers saw the car Alexander was last seen in on East Ozark Avenue near Bryson Street. GPD officers conducted a traffic stop and identified Alexander as a passenger. Officers also found a rifle in the car.
*HOMICIDE*#GastoniaPd investigating homicide outside in 1600 blk of Herman Dr.
— Gastonia Police (@GPDNC) December 21, 2021
Initial reports 2 people shot, 1 confirmed deceased.
Expect heavy police presence in area & avoid area if possible.
Updates posted as add’l info becomes available.
Initial call rcvd 12:52pm pic.twitter.com/pDHKZhn5xL
Alexander was arrested and charged with murder and assault-related charges.
Investigators said the woman who was shot lived in the apartment where the shooting happened and is Alexander’s ex-girlfriend. Detectives also said Rainey was one of her family members.
Chopper 9 flew over the scene where a large police presence could be seen. Drivers and community members were advised to avoid the area while police investigated.
(WATCH BELOW: CMPD identifies 19-year-old victim in deadly shooting near campus of UNC Charlotte)
©2021 Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
