The peaceful town of Hope Mills was shattered by a deadly shooting that claimed the life of 33-year-old Duane Quales Jr. Hailing from Plainfield, NJ, Quales Jr. found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time, becoming the victim of a senseless act of violence.
The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office received a distressing call around 8:40 p.m. on Thursday, alerting them to the incident. Deputies swiftly rushed to the scene, only to be met with a haunting sight. There, lying outside, was Quales Jr., his life slipping away as he suffered from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite the valiant efforts of first responders, his injuries proved fatal, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
As the investigation unfolds, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office remains determined to bring justice to Quales Jr. and his grieving loved ones. Detective Sergeant R. Brinkley, leading the homicide investigation, is tirelessly working to piece together the puzzle surrounding this tragic event. The motive behind the shooting remains unknown, leaving the community on edge and searching for answers.
In a plea for assistance, the Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information to come forward. If you witnessed the incident or have any knowledge that could aid in the investigation, please contact Detective Sergeant R. Brinkley at (910) 677-5463. For those who wish to remain anonymous, CrimeStoppers offers a confidential platform to share tips at (910) 483-8477. Additionally, electronic tips can be submitted through the anonymous online tip sheet or the “P3 Tips” app, available for both Apple and Android devices.
As the town of Hope Mills grapples with this devastating loss, the community stands united in their determination to find justice for Duane Quales Jr. The memory of his vibrant spirit and the tragedy that befell him will not be forgotten. The investigation continues, and the hope for closure remains strong.
