Hope Mills, NC — A tragic shooting on Tuesday in Cumberland County left two men dead at a job site in front of a substantial residential property, authorities confirmed. The incident, reported around 11:10 a.m., occurred at a home located in the 3600 block of Yarborough Road.
Cumberland County deputies, who responded swiftly to the emergency calls, have yet to release the identities of the victims pending notification of next of kin. The situation escalated with the issuance of a public alert for 42-year-old Desmund Louis Moore, who is sought for questioning in connection to the shooting.
In a concerning revelation from his past, Moore was arrested in 2016 under serious charges of rape and sexual assault of a 22-year-old woman. He is believed to be driving a white 2020 Volkswagen Passat, bearing North Carolina license plate KMY-5114.
Details from emergency 911 calls indicated a chaotic scene. One caller, apparently at the vicinity for a window cleaning job, reported hearing multiple shots and described seeing a vehicle’s windows shot out and employees on the ground. “…caller heard shots fired at a job site…windows shot out of truck and employees laying on side of road possibly shot…,” captured a broadcast traffic report.
By early afternoon, aerial coverage showed a flurry of activity as first responders filled the sprawling premises. Two bodies were seen close to a work truck branded by NC Window Cleaners, with the driver’s side window visibly shattered.
Further adding to the grim scene, scattered evidence markers suggested the presence of multiple shell casings, though it remains unclear how many shots were fired. At least 10 markers were noted.
The homeowner, identified as Dr. William Wiggs, was approached for comments but declined. A distressing 911 call believed to be from Wiggs’ wife indicated that she was safe inside the house, observing the front gate via security cameras. She noted that her husband had been informed and was en route to the property.
Subsequent 911 calls painted a picture of disbelief and fear among those connected to the victims. One caller, associating himself with the workers, emotionally recounted discovering the aftermath, pleading, “Oh my god, please tell me I am dreaming…” Another, expecting his employees, stated, “I was at the house waiting on my workers to get here, about 20 minutes ago.” After hearing gunfire and seeing the tragic outcome, he urgently requested medical assistance, unsure of an ongoing threat.
Authorities have yet to establish a clear motive for the shooting but have assured there is no immediate risk to the public. The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office is actively seeking information and has encouraged anyone with insights into the incident to contact Homicide Detective I. Fisk at 910-677-5543 or to reach out to Crimestoppers anonymously.