CASTLE HAYNE, N.C. — Authorities have confirmed that a deadly shooting in Castle Hayne on Sunday morning was a domestic violence-related murder-suicide. The tragic incident left two people dead and one person injured, according to the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office (NHCSO).
Deputies responded to a home on Bowman Drive around 9:00 a.m. on April 7 after receiving reports of gunfire. When they arrived at the scene, they discovered 35-year-old Aurora Rosendo-Ortega dead from a gunshot wound. Also inside the residence, deputies found 18-year-old Santiago Pacheco-Rosendo suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot injury. He was transported to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center and has since been released.
During a further search of the home, authorities located Avelino Jaimes-Acuna with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was rushed to the hospital but later died. According to the NHCSO, investigators determined that Jaimes-Acuna had forcibly entered the home, fatally shot Rosendo-Ortega, and then turned the gun on himself. Pacheco-Rosendo was shot while attempting to defend Ortega during the attack.
Sheriff’s officials stated that Jaimes-Acuna and Rosendo-Ortega had previously been in a relationship, and the shooting stemmed from a domestic violence situation. “Avelino Jaimes-Acuna broke into the home and murdered Aurora Rosendo-Ortega before taking his own life. Santiago Pacheco-Rosendo was shot while attempting to intervene,” the NHCSO said in an official statement.
The community has been left stunned by the violence, and law enforcement is reminding residents about the seriousness of domestic violence. Officials are urging anyone in an abusive relationship or who suspects someone else may be in danger to seek help from local resources or national hotlines. The NHCSO also emphasized that domestic violence can escalate quickly and often ends in tragedy if left unaddressed.
As the investigation remains ongoing, deputies are continuing to gather evidence and speak with those connected to the victims. Authorities have not indicated if there were previous reports or warning signs before Sunday’s incident. Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.
This tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the impact domestic violence can have on families and communities. Support services remain available to anyone in need, and officials are calling on the public to remain vigilant and report suspected abuse.