68-year-old woman killed by stray bullet while standing on porch, NC police say
A woman enjoying her backyard became a victim of random gun violence when she was fatally struck by a stray bullet, according to North Carolina investigators.
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It happened around 4:30 p.m. Monday at 1957 Hillgate Avenue in Gastonia, and police have yet to determine where the gunshot originated.
The victim has been identified as 68-year-old Pamala Shanks, Gastonia police said in an Oct. 19 news release.
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“She was on her (back) porch and not the intended target of the gun violence,” police said. “No arrests have been made; Detectives are continuing their very robust investigation.”
Maps show Shank’s elevated back porch faces Laurel Lane, which is lined with apartments and townhome communities. A lot filled with playground equipment is located directly across from Shank’s porch.
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Gastonia is about a 20-mile drive west from uptown Charlotte.
