Sanford, NC – Authorities are actively searching for a suspect in connection with the fatal shooting of a man inside a local gaming business. The incident occurred early on September 6th, leading to the death of 44-year-old Eugenio Bolainez Vanegas. Police have identified a suspect and issued a warrant for his arrest.
Key Takeaways
- A warrant for first-degree murder has been issued for Wilser Joel Aragon Gutierrez, 26.
- The victim, Eugenio Bolainez Vanegas, 44, was found deceased at ETS Gaming.
- The shooting took place during an altercation within the establishment.
- Vanegas is remembered by his family as a vibrant and kind-hearted individual.
Details of the Incident
Eugenio Bolainez Vanegas, a father of one, was discovered shot and killed around 5:45 a.m. on September 6th at ETS Gaming, located at 1821 Lee Avenue in Sanford. The Sanford Police Department reported that the shooting stemmed from an altercation that occurred inside the gaming center. Vanegas was pronounced dead at the scene.
Suspect Identified
As of the latest reports, police have identified Wilser Joel Aragon Gutierrez, a 26-year-old resident of Sanford, as the suspect in Vanegas’s killing. A warrant for his arrest on charges of first-degree murder has been issued.
Victim Remembered
Family members have described Eugenio Bolainez Vanegas as a "vibrant, kind-hearted soul" who brought energy, laughter, and warmth into every room. His cousin, Elizabeth Vanegas, shared these sentiments, highlighting the profound impact of his loss. A fundraiser has been established by his family to assist with funeral and memorial service expenses.
About ETS Gaming
ETS Gaming, owned by Elijah Ussery, serves as a venue for various gaming activities. It offers customers the opportunity to play console games like Xbox and PlayStation, utilize virtual reality headsets, and engage in tabletop games such as Dungeons and Dragons. The establishment also functions as an event venue for parties. Madden Football was noted as a particularly popular console game at the business.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Wilser Joel Aragon Gutierrez to contact the Sanford Police Department’s Detective Division. The investigation is ongoing as law enforcement works to apprehend the suspect.
