Local
Two teens detained after fatal shooting of Gastonia resident Pamela Shanks
A 16-year-old was arrested at Dulles International Airport and a 17-year-old was arrested in South Carolina in connection with the killing of Pamela Shanks. Police have not disclosed potential charges or a motive.
Two teenagers have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of Pamela Shanks, a 68-year-old woman killed on the back porch of her Gastonia home last week, police said.
A 16-year-old was arrested Friday, Oct. 23, at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C. Police said the teen was attempting to leave the country for Africa. A 17-year-old was arrested Tuesday, Oct. 27, in Upstate South Carolina while on the run, according to police.
Shanks was shot at about 4:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, at her home on Hillgate Avenue, which backs up to Laurel Lane near the Dwell Townhomes. Neighbors said they heard several shots and saw multiple young people in black clothing run away.
Police have not said what led to the shooting or whether the teenagers knew Shanks. Authorities also have not disclosed what charges the teens may face, citing their ages and withholding additional information.
The arrests are the latest development in the investigation into Shanks’ killing. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear.