Early Morning Shooting at Hotel Results in Multi-Agency Response

The Statesville Police Department responded to a report of a shooting at the Microtel Inn located at Landson Drive at approximately 2:00 a.m. on February 3, 2026.

Upon arrival, officers located an adult male inside the hotel lobby suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the face and abdomen. Officers immediately provided medical aid until personnel with Iredell County Emergency Medical Services arrived and transported the victim to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center for treatment.

During the investigation, detectives identified Joel Scott Wimbish Jr. as the suspect. Investigators determined the shooting occurred following an altercation in a nearby parking lot. Based on the evidence collected, warrants were obtained charging Winbush with Attempted First Degree Murder, Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury, Attempted Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.

The department requested assistance from the United States Marshals Service Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force to locate the suspect, who is not a Statesville resident.

On February 5, 2026, the task force, along with the Burke County Sheriff's Office, located Winbush at a residence in Hildebran. When officers attempted to take him into custody, he barricaded himself inside the residence and refused commands. After a standoff lasting several hours, officers entered the residence and located Winbush suffering from an apparent self- inflicted gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.