Family of suspect killed in officer-involved shooting hold protest

Relatives of Edilberto Espinoza Sierra demand transparency and accountability after his death

Mar. 10, 2026 at 10:09pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Family members and friends of Edilberto Espinoza Sierra gathered at a Market Street parking deck in Wilmington, North Carolina to call for justice and transparency after the 21-year-old was killed in an officer-involved shooting over the weekend. The family disputes the police account, saying Sierra was unarmed and not the source of the initial gunfire, and that his attempt to drive away was a 'fight or flight' response after being physically assaulted shortly before the incident. The family obtained video footage that they say contradicts the police's claims about Sierra accelerating toward officers.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and communities of color, as well as concerns about police use of force and transparency around officer-involved shootings. The family's allegations raise questions about the circumstances leading up to Sierra's death and whether the officers' actions were justified.

The details

According to police, officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 100 block of Market Street around 3:15 a.m. on March 8. They identified Sierra as a suspect and say he accelerated his vehicle toward them in the parking deck, prompting them to open fire. The family disputes this, saying Sierra was unarmed and that his attempt to drive away was a reaction to being physically assaulted shortly before the incident. They obtained video footage that they say contradicts the police's account.

  • The incident occurred around 3:15 a.m. on March 8.
  • The family held a protest on Tuesday, March 10, two days after Sierra's death.

The players

Edilberto Espinoza Sierra

A 21-year-old man who was killed in an officer-involved shooting in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Genesis Espinoza Sierra

The sister of Edilberto Espinoza Sierra, who is leading the family's call for justice and transparency.

Wilmington Police Department

The local law enforcement agency involved in the officer-involved shooting.

North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation

The state agency leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

New Hanover County Sheriff's Office

The county law enforcement agency that had one deputy involved in the officer-involved shooting.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“For us, it would be having [law enforcement] presented with the law and be convicted for his murder — it doesn't need to get spun any other way. This is an abuse of power. It's murder.”

— Genesis Espinoza Sierra, Sister of Edilberto Espinoza Sierra (Port City Daily)

“The car was going no more than 5 miles per hour. You hear him slam on the brakes ... and right when he slams on the brakes is when they shoot him.”

— Genesis Espinoza Sierra, Sister of Edilberto Espinoza Sierra (Port City Daily)

“Everything that I have found out we have had to fight to find out. [Law enforcement] didn't tell us when they brought him to the morgue, they didn't tell us when he died, they didn't tell us the time of death, they didn't tell us that the police shot him. We had to find that out from the news.”

— Genesis Espinoza Sierra, Sister of Edilberto Espinoza Sierra (Port City Daily)

What’s next

The SBI is currently conducting an independent probe into the shooting. Once complete, its findings will be turned over to the district attorney's office for a final determination on whether the use of lethal force was justified.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement and communities of color, as well as concerns about police use of force and transparency around officer-involved shootings. The family's allegations raise questions about the circumstances leading up to Sierra's death and whether the officers' actions were justified, underscoring the need for thorough and impartial investigations into such incidents.