On a quiet Sunday morning, May 4, 2025, the serene atmosphere of Barton’s Landing Place, a gated condominium community in Fayetteville, North Carolina, was shattered by gunfire. At approximately 10:22 a.m., residents of the 600 block off Cliffdale Road were thrust into a scene of chaos and tragedy. Fayetteville Police Department officers responded swiftly to reports of a shooting, arriving to find a 36-year-old man, later identified as Donte Maurice Vanclief, lying in the parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper torso. Emergency medical personnel rushed Vanclief to a nearby hospital, but despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. The loss of Vanclief, a Fayetteville resident, has left the community grappling with grief and unanswered questions about the senseless violence that unfolded in their neighborhood.
The incident, which occurred in broad daylight, sent shockwaves through the tightly knit community. A chilling video, recorded by a resident and widely circulated on social media, captured the moments following the shooting. The footage shows a man calmly walking through the complex, clutching what appears to be a rifle-style weapon, as panicked neighbors watched from behind locked doors and windows. The video, raw and unsettling, depicts the fear that gripped residents as they processed the violence that had erupted in their gated community, a place many considered a safe haven. The individual seen in the video was taken into custody at the scene, though police have not released the suspect’s identity or confirmed whether they are the shooter. No formal charges have been announced, and authorities have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing.
Fayetteville police have assured the public that there is no active threat to the community, but the incident has raised concerns about safety in a city that has faced its share of violent episodes. The department’s Homicide Unit is leading the investigation, working diligently to piece together the events that led to Vanclief’s death. Detectives are interviewing witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage, and analyzing the social media video for clues. Early reports suggest the shooting may have stemmed from a personal dispute, though police have not confirmed a motive. All individuals directly involved are cooperating with authorities, and the department is urging anyone with additional information to come forward. Detective C. Johnson, who is overseeing the case, can be reached at (910) 584-6703, and anonymous tips can be submitted through Crimestoppers at (910) 483-TIPS (8477).
The tragedy at Barton’s Landing Place has reignited conversations about gun violence in Fayetteville, a city that has seen both progress and challenges in addressing public safety. Residents of the gated community, accustomed to a sense of security, are now questioning how such a brazen act could occur in their midst. Community leaders have called for unity and vigilance, emphasizing the need for residents to work together to ensure their neighborhoods remain safe. The Fayetteville Police Department has promised to provide updates as new details emerge, but for now, the focus remains on delivering justice for Donte Maurice Vanclief and supporting a grieving community.
As the investigation continues, the memory of Vanclief—a son, friend, and neighbor—lingers in the hearts of those who knew him. His death serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need to address the root causes of violence. For the residents of Barton’s Landing Place, the path to healing will be long, but their resolve to reclaim their sense of safety and community remains unbroken. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact the authorities, as every detail could bring the city closer to answers and accountability.