Wilmington Police Fatally Shoot 21-Year-Old in Parking Garage

Family calls for justice, claims excessive force used in encounter

Mar. 11, 2026 at 6:04am

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A viewer-recorded video captured the moment Wilmington police shot and killed 21-year-old Edilberto Espinoza-Sierra in a parking garage early Sunday morning. Police say they were searching for a suspect in a separate shooting and that Espinoza-Sierra matched the description. The video shows Espinoza-Sierra did not comply when officers ordered him to stop his vehicle, and he then drove toward the officers, striking another vehicle before they opened fire, killing him.

Why it matters

This incident has sparked outrage from Espinoza-Sierra's family, who believe police used excessive force and that he was not in his right mind at the time of the shooting. The case has raised questions about police training and tactics, as well as the ongoing debate around officer-involved shootings and use of force.

The details

In the footage provided to WECT, Espinoza-Sierra does not comply when officers order him to stop his vehicle. Wilmington Police Department (WPD) said he then drove his car toward officers. The video shows him strike another vehicle before officers opened fire, killing him. Espinoza-Sierra's family gathered outside the parking garage where he was killed, holding posters and calling for justice. They said they believe police used excessive force.

  • The incident occurred early Sunday morning.
  • Espinoza-Sierra's family gathered outside the parking garage on Tuesday.

The players

Edilberto Espinoza-Sierra

A 21-year-old man who was fatally shot by Wilmington police in a parking garage.

Viannette Cruz-Espinoza

Espinoza-Sierra's cousin, who said police need more training and that they "do not need to empty 30 clips in a beautiful soul".

Genesis Espinoza-Sierra

Espinoza-Sierra's sister, who said "All he was thinking about was getting home to us."

Elizabeth Sierra

Espinoza-Sierra's mother, who asked "Who is going to give me my son back? Who is going to bring me my son?" through a translator.

Wilmington Police Department (WPD)

The police department that was involved in the shooting of Espinoza-Sierra.

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What they’re saying

“Police need more training. They do not need to empty 30 clips in a beautiful soul, because that's who he was, a beautiful soul. He loved his family, and we all loved him.”

— Viannette Cruz-Espinoza, Espinoza-Sierra's cousin (WECT)

“All he was thinking about was getting home to us.”

— Genesis Espinoza-Sierra, Espinoza-Sierra's sister (WECT)

“Who is going to give me my son back? Who is going to bring me my son?”

— Elizabeth Sierra, Espinoza-Sierra's mother (WECT)

What’s next

State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) officials said the officers involved were wearing body cameras and that footage is under review. There is no timeline for the investigation to conclude, though officials said it will likely take months.

The takeaway

This tragic incident has sparked outrage and calls for justice from Espinoza-Sierra's family, who believe police used excessive force. The case has raised important questions about police training, tactics, and the ongoing debate around officer-involved shootings and use of force.