FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – April 25, 2026 – A quiet residential street in Fayetteville became the scene of a devastating tragedy early Saturday morning when 34-year-old Kenneth Gillis was fatally shot inside a home in the 600 block of Berwick Drive. The Fayetteville Police Department confirmed that officers responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 2:44 a.m. on April 25, 2026, only to discover Gillis suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by emergency medical personnel, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The loss has sent shockwaves through the close-knit neighborhood and left family and friends grappling with an unthinkable grief. As homicide investigators work to piece together the events leading up to the shooting, loved ones remember Kenneth Gillis not as a crime statistic, but as a son, a loyal friend, and a man whose quiet strength touched everyone who knew him.

The Crime Scene: Inside the Investigation

Upon arrival at the Berwick Drive residence, first responders found Kenneth Gillis unconscious and bleeding heavily. The Fayetteville Police Department’s Homicide Unit, led by Detective B. Ramirez, immediately assumed control of the case. The scene was cordoned off for several hours as crime scene technicians collected evidence, including shell casings, digital forensics, and witness statements from neighbors.

In an official statement released Saturday morning, police spokesperson Sgt. Erica Matthews said, “This is an active and ongoing homicide investigation. At this time, we believe the incident was isolated and poses no ongoing threat to the general public. However, we urge anyone with information—no matter how small—to come forward.”

Detective B. Ramirez can be reached directly at (910) 309-6140. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Fayetteville / Cumberland County Crime Stoppers at (910) 483-TIPS (8477). A reward of up to $1,000 is available for information leading to an arrest.

The 600 block of Berwick Drive, located in a modest residential neighborhood near the intersection of Murchison Road and Bunce Road, is typically quiet. Neighbors described hearing what sounded like “two or three loud pops” just before 2:45 a.m., followed by the sound of a vehicle speeding away.

“I thought it was fireworks at first,” said Doris Hammonds, 67, who lives three doors down. “Then I heard screaming. It was a woman’s voice, crying for help. I called 911 immediately. My hands are still shaking.”

Police have not yet disclosed whether Kenneth Gillis lived at the residence or was visiting, nor have they released information on any potential suspects, motives, or weapons used. No arrests have been announced as of Saturday evening.

A Life Remembered: Who Was Kenneth Gillis?

Born and raised in Fayetteville, Kenneth Gillis attended Douglas Byrd High School, where he was known as “Kenny” to classmates. He later earned a certificate in automotive technology from Fayetteville Technical Community College and worked for several years at a local auto repair shop before moving into commercial truck driving.

Friends describe him as a gentle giant—over six feet tall with a booming laugh that could fill a room, but a soft-spoken nature that put others at ease. He was an avid fisherman who spent many weekends at the Cape Fear River, often accompanied by his younger cousin, Marcus. He also had a passion for classic soul music, particularly The Temptations and Al Green.

“Kenneth would give you the shirt off his back,” said his childhood best friend, Derrick Holloway. “He wasn’t about drama or street life. He loved his momma, he loved his job, and he loved his peace. That’s why this doesn’t make sense. Who would want to hurt him?”

Kenneth is survived by his mother, Patricia Gillis, of Fayetteville; his father, Ronald Gillis Sr. (of Atlanta, GA); two siblings, Ronald Gillis Jr. and Shanice Gillis-Walker; and a young daughter, Kennedy Gillis, age 7. His mother, reached by phone Saturday, was too overcome with grief to speak at length but released a brief statement through the family pastor:

“My son is gone. My firstborn. I just spoke to him Thursday night. He said he was going to come over Sunday for dinner. Now I’ll never see him again. Please, if you know anything, tell the police. Someone out there knows what happened.”

Community Response: Grief, Fear, and Calls for Justice

News of the shooting spread quickly through Fayetteville’s social media circles, with many expressing disbelief that such violence could erupt on a residential street. A small memorial of candles, balloons, and handwritten notes began forming outside the Berwick Drive home by Saturday afternoon.

Local activist and community mediator Rev. Alton James held a brief prayer vigil at the scene. “We are tired,” he said. “Tired of waking up to news of another young Black man shot down. Tired of empty condolences. We need answers, and we need action. But today, we mourn. We mourn Kenneth, and we hold his family up in prayer.”

City Councilwoman Brenda Bethea, whose district includes Berwick Drive, issued a statement calling for a full review of recent gun violence trends in the area. “This is a tragedy that cannot be normalized. The 600 block of Berwick Drive is someone’s home, someone’s neighborhood. We must invest in conflict resolution programs, community policing, and youth outreach to stop these senseless killings.”

The Investigation: What Police Know So Far

According to a spokesperson for the Fayetteville Police Department’s Homicide Unit, detectives have interviewed several neighbors and are currently reviewing surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses. Investigators are also looking into Kenneth Gillis’s recent activities, including his phone records and social media interactions, to determine if he had any known conflicts.

While the department has not officially labeled the shooting as targeted or random, the early indication that the incident was “isolated” suggests detectives believe Kenneth may have been specifically intended as the victim.

Detective B. Ramirez, who is leading the case, is a 12-year veteran of the department and has worked on over 30 homicide investigations. In a brief statement, Ramirez said, “We are following up on several leads. Someone in this community knows what happened. We need them to do the right thing.”

Residents with information are encouraged to contact Ramirez directly or use the anonymous Crime Stoppers line. Anonymous tips do not require testimony or court appearances.

A Broader Look: Gun Violence in Fayetteville

The killing of Kenneth Gillis marks the seventh homicide in Fayetteville in 2026, according to preliminary data from the Cumberland County Clerk of Court’s office. In all of 2025, the city recorded 24 homicides, the majority of which involved firearms.

Nationally, gun violence remains a persistent crisis. According to the Gun Violence Archive, as of April 2026, over 4,500 people have died from gun violence in the United States this year alone. North Carolina has seen a 15% increase in firearm-related homicides since 2020, with Fayetteville consistently ranking among the state’s most impacted mid-sized cities.

In response, the Fayetteville Police Department has expanded its ShotSpotter gunshot detection system and increased patrols in high-crime areas. However, budget constraints and staffing shortages have hampered long-term violence reduction efforts.

Community leaders have long called for a public health approach to gun violence, including job training, mental health services, and conflict mediation. “We cannot arrest our way out of this problem,” said Rev. James. “We need resources. We need hope. And we need people to stop pulling the trigger.”

Obituary and Funeral Arrangements for Kenneth Gillis

Kenneth Marquis Gillis was born on July 22, 1991, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He attended Douglas Byrd High School and later earned an automotive technology certificate from FTCC. He worked as a commercial truck driver for Carolina Freight Solutions at the time of his death.

Kenneth loved fishing, cooking on the grill, and spending time with his daughter, Kennedy, whom he called “my princess.” He was known for his patience, his quiet humor, and his willingness to help friends and strangers alike.

He is survived by:

· Mother: Patricia Gillis (Fayetteville, NC)
· Father: Ronald Gillis Sr. (Atlanta, GA)
· Siblings: Ronald Gillis Jr. (Charlotte, NC) and Shanice Gillis-Walker (Fayetteville, NC)
· Daughter: Kennedy Marie Gillis (age 7)
· Maternal grandmother: Dorothy Frazier (Fayetteville, NC)
· And a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Wiseman Mortuary on Murchison Road. Funeral services will take place Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at New Life Missionary Baptist Church, followed by burial at Rockfish Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a trust fund for Kennedy Gillis, c/o Patricia Gillis, or to the nonprofit organization “Mothers Against Senseless Killings” (MASK) in Kenneth’s name.

How You Can Help: Tips and Resources

Anyone with information about the shooting death of Kenneth Gillis is urged to act. Even an anonymous tip could break the case open.

· Detective B. Ramirez: (910) 309-6140
· Crime Stoppers (anonymous): (910) 483-TIPS (8477)
· Online anonymous tip: fay-nccrimestoppers.org

Residents may also text tips to TIPLAX followed by the information to 274637.

For those struggling with the trauma of witnessing gun violence or grieving a sudden loss, the Fayetteville Mobile Crisis Unit is available 24/7 at (910) 433-1800, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Cumberland County offers free support groups.

Final Words: A Son, A Father, A Memory

As the sun set over Berwick Drive on Saturday evening, a small group of Kenneth’s friends gathered quietly at the memorial. They placed a framed photo of him holding his daughter at her fifth birthday party. They said a prayer. They hugged.

One of them, his cousin Marcus, knelt and whispered: “We’re going to find out who did this, cuz. And we’re going to make sure you’re not forgotten.”

Patricia Gillis, still in disbelief, told a reporter, “Kenneth was my rock. After his dad and I split, he stepped up. He helped with bills, with his sister, with everything. Now he’s gone. Who do I lean on? Who protects Kennedy now?”

Detective B. Ramirez and the Fayetteville Police Department Homicide Unit continue to investigate. No suspect description has been released. But one thing is certain: Kenneth Gillis was loved. And his community will not let his memory fade.

—

If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of violence or self-harm, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline). For those in immediate danger, call 911. For anonymous help related to gang or gun violence, contact the Fayetteville Community Safety Hotline at (910) 987-HELP.

Rest in peace, Kenneth Gillis. You mattered. Your story will be told.