Family demands answers after deadly officer-involved shooting in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Just two days after their son’s death, 21-year-old Edilberto Espinoza Sierra’s family held a protest Tuesday morning outside the Market Street Parking Deck.

Family and friends of Edilberto Sierra, nicknamed “Betito” by his family, held up signs that read “No Mother Should Bury Her Son” as they chanted and protested what they are calling his murder.

Police say officers and deputies were responding to a shooting in the parking deck on Market Street, where they found Sierra in a vehicle.

Investigators say Sierra did not comply with commands and was shot after nearly hitting officers while driving off.

During the protest, his mother begged for justice.

“Please. Please help me. I believe in a God that has power, and he’s going to give me the power because right now I can’t do anything, and I know he’s going to help me to find my justice,” said Sierra’s mother.

Sierra’s grandmother flew in from El Salvador to support her daughter and family, saying the pain of losing him is something they will carry forever.

“It hurts me to be here with my family. It’s a very great pain that she has gone through. This isn’t easy for a mother. It’s the most important thing, your children. We’ve never lost something like this; it’s a pain that you could never imagine. We’re going to always feel that pain,” said Sierra’s grandmother.

Sierra’s brother, who was also in the parking deck the morning of the shooting, says he didn’t realize Edilberto was involved.

“I didn’t even know he got shot. I thought the other people were shooting at the police,” said Sierra’s brother.

His younger sister, 18-year-old Genesis Espinoza Sierra, says the family wants someone to be held responsible.

“Having these people be presented with the law; this is an abuse of power, it’s murder, that would be justice for us,” said Espinoza Sierra.

To be clear, there are two investigations.

The North Carolina SBI is investigating the officer-involved shooting.

We’re told multiple cameras captured the shooting, all of which are in evidence.

As for the initial shooting call in which a man was injured, Wilmington Police and New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office are handling that investigation.

They have not yet released that person’s identity.