Fayetteville police have suspects, car and gun used in case of drive-by shooting that killed boy

Fayetteville police have discovered multiple suspects believed to be involved in the case of a drive-by shooting that killed a 7-year-old boy.

However, detectives on Wednesday did not disclose any names of suspects they think are linked to the June 7 drive-by shooting that killed Zion Gibbs.

“We have possible suspects in the case, but we’re not at a point to release that information,” said Fayetteville detective Stephanie Berrios. “We have more than one [suspect].”

On Wednesday, detectives said the car used in the shooting, a black Chrysler 200, was found on private property in Winston-Salem. The vehicle had a bullet hole on the passenger side, but it’s believed the hole is not related to the case.

The gun used in the crime was also found in another jurisdiction that was not named.

Berrios said their findings came thanks to community members giving them information. Police released photos of the car on Aug. 2 in hopes that someone would come forward.

“We’re hoping with this new information, more people will come forward to help with the investigation,” Berrios said. “We are asking for the public if they recall any incidents involving this vehicle, any weapon incidents or any damage to property vehicle accidents.”

The family is working with investigators to move the case forward. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Fayetteville police.

Gibbs’ story drew plenty of attention for his sudden, tragic death.

Gibbs was playing video games and enjoying the start of summer break inside his Fayetteville home when he was shot in the face. During the drive-by shooting on Danish Drive, multiple rounds were fired, and some entered the home.

He had told his mother he would be ready for bed soon before he was shot. Mother Myra Gibbs said six bullets hit the home. One broke through a window and hit Zion in the face.

“[The gunshots] were getting close … when I heard it hit the house I was already downstairs,” Myra Gibbs described.

Zion’s older siblings, two 18-year-old twins, crouched down when they heard the shots, and Myra Gibbs called out for her son. She said she found him crouched over on the floor.

To honor Zion, firefighters emblazoned a firefighters’ uniform with the boy’s name for his family to keep. A parade was also held with first responders, including several firetrucks and the emergency workers who responded to the shooting.

At Zion’s funeral, the boy was saluted by firefighters, and Myra Gibbs designed the funeral program to resemble a comic book, because Zion loved superheroes.

Zion was set to enter second grade at Benjamin Martin Elementary School this fall.