Garner police identify 29-year-old fatally shot in Walmart parking lot

The family of a 29-year-old man who died in a Walmart parking lot in Garner says he was fatally shot while defending his mother.

Police responded to the shooting just after 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Walmart at 4500 Fayetteville Road after two men got into an “argument or altercation,” police said.

Colton Robert Valdez was taken to the hospital, where he died.

Police took a “person of interest” into custody Tuesday night but have not announced an arrest, suggesting they think the shooting could have been self-defense or that the department does not have enough evidence to press charges.

Argument over parking spot, family says

In a GoFundMe fundraiser, Valdez’s family said he was shot during an argument with a man who was yelling at his mother as she was backing out of a parking spot.

Garner Police would not confirm that.

“I am unable to comment further about the case due to ongoing nature of the investigation,” Capt. Chris Adams said in an email to The N&O Thursday evening. “There will be an opportunity to clarify some things once that concludes.”

Police ask anyone with information that might help investigators to email them at GPDtips@garnernc.gov or call the Tip Line at 919-890-7318.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

This story was originally published January 23, 2024 at 8:25 PM.