Wilmington Man Sentenced to Nearly 20 Years for 2023 Stabbing

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A 38-year-old Wilmington man, Terry Earl Hooper Jr., was sentenced to up to 19.9 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in the 2023 stabbing death of Daniel Webb-Sholar. The incident occurred after an argument between the two men escalated into a physical altercation, with Hooper fatally stabbing Webb-Sholar, who was unarmed.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of violence and fatal altercations in Wilmington, North Carolina, and the need for better conflict resolution and de-escalation strategies within the community. It also raises questions about the role of mental health and access to resources in preventing such tragic incidents.

The details

According to authorities, on June 9, 2023, Hooper and Webb-Sholar were involved in an argument at a home on North Sixth Street in Wilmington. Witnesses reported that Hooper initially brandished a handgun but put it away. Minutes later, Webb-Sholar attempted to engage in a fistfight with Hooper, but Hooper instead stabbed him with a large knife, fatally wounding him. Hooper then left the scene in a van driven by his uncle but later turned himself in to the police.

• On June 9, 2023, the incident occurred around 6:30 p.m.
• On March 2, 2026, Hooper pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.

What’s next

The judge will determine Hooper's final sentence in the coming weeks.