WPD: Murder victim in wrong place at wrong time

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The community is in shock after a Cape Fear Community College student was shot and killed leaving work last night in downtown Wilmington.

At this point, police say details surrounding the murder are cloudy.

Around 11 p.m. Thursday police say Josh Proutey had just finished work and was heading home. A short time later he was found dead in a parking lot next to the Community Arts Center near 2nd and Orange Streets.

“He was just downtown working and apparently at the wrong place at the wrong time,” WPD spokesman Det. Kevin Smith said.

Those who knew Proutey, who was from Clayton, described him as a typical 19-year-old who worked hard and loved his family.

Proutey was leaving the Community Arts Center after work.

Folks who worked with him on the show can’t believe what happened.

“It’s shocking, and it’s just a tough situation for us here,” coworker Jason Aycock said. “He was always a hard worker and dedicated to doing what he thought needed to be done, and he was always helping facilitate and make sure everything went off without a hitch.”

Though police say this appears to be a random act of violence that claimed Proutey’s life, they are still urging everyone to be cautious downtown as the investigation into the murder continues.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Wilmington Police Department at (910) 343-3600, or Crime Stoppers at (800) 531-9845. Information also may be submitted anonymously through Text-A-Tip. Enter Tip708 and the message; send to CRIMES (274637).