New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office seeking publics assistance following Monkey Junction Walmart shooting

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — 35-year-old man from Carolina Beach, Dean Michael Newman, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder following a shooting at the Walmart in Monkey Junction that left Walmart employee Michael Thomas Paz dead.

The incident occurred on the evening of November 2nd at a Walmart on Carolina Beach Road, when employees attempted to stop Newman from allegedly shoplifting.

The shooting unfolded around 6 PM, and multiple 9-1-1 calls were made from both inside and outside the store, including one from a Walmart employee who witnessed the events firsthand.

Dispatcher: “What store are you at?”
Walmart Employee: “Walmart Carolina Beach Road, yes ma’am, ooh oh god.”
Dispatcher: “Did you say someone was hit?”
Walmart Employee: “Yes, I believe my coworker was hit. They were arguing, then it came to a scuffle—the guy was fighting with him, and then the gunshot went off by the door.”
Dispatcher: “How many shots were fired?”
Walmart Employee: “It was one shot, but it was extremely close.”

A spokesperson from the Sheriff’s Office mentioned that public assistance is a standard part of investigations to gather witness accounts. Anyone who witnessed or recorded the incident is encouraged to contact Detective McGovern with the Sheriff’s Office.

His email is kmcgovern@nhcgov.com.