On the evening of Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a 16-year-old boy tragically lost his life in a shooting on the basketball court at Windsor Elementary School in Windsor, North Carolina. The incident, which occurred around 6:00 p.m., has left the small community in Bertie County reeling.
According to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and Windsor Police Department, a group of teenagers were gathered on the school’s basketball court when an argument escalated into a physical altercation. During the confrontation, gunfire erupted, resulting in the death of the young boy. Authorities have confirmed that the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
The shooting is not believed to be connected to any school-sponsored activity or event, as Windsor Elementary School was not in session at the time. The basketball court, a common gathering spot for local youth, became the site of this devastating incident.
The Bertie County School District issued a heartfelt statement expressing grief over the loss: “Although school is not currently in session and there was no school-sponsored event happening at the time of the incident, our campus remains a place where students gather, connect, and enjoy being young. Tragically, one of our students lost his life while playing basketball on school grounds. Our hearts are broken, and our deepest condolences go out to the student’s family, friends, and everyone who loved him. We are mourning this unimaginable loss as a school family and community.”
The SBI is assisting the Windsor Police Department in an active and ongoing homicide investigation. Authorities have not released the victim’s identity, pending notification of family members, and no suspects have been named at this time. Video evidence from the scene shows two vehicles behind crime scene tape, but further details about the circumstances or individuals involved remain limited.
As the investigation continues, the Windsor community mourns the loss of a young life and grapples with the shock of violence in a place meant for play and connection. More information will be provided by authorities as it becomes available.
