The quiet of an early Sunday morning in eastern Raleigh was shattered by the sound of gunfire, leaving a community in mourning and police searching for answers. Raleigh police identified the victim of this tragic incident as 46-year-old Robert Lucas, a man whose life was cut short in a violent act that has yet to be fully explained. Officers were called to the intersection of New Bern Avenue and North Rogers Lane shortly after the shooting was reported, arriving to find Lucas gravely wounded. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries, he succumbed to his wounds, leaving behind a void for those who knew him and a mystery for authorities tasked with bringing justice.
The incident unfolded on March 23, 2025, a day that began like any other for residents of this bustling corridor of the city. New Bern Avenue, a well-traveled artery lined with businesses and homes, became the scene of a somber investigation as police cordoned off the area. Details surrounding the events leading up to the shooting remain scarce. Authorities have not released information about what may have precipitated the violence or whether Lucas was specifically targeted. What is clear, however, is that a life was lost, and the ripple effects are being felt by a community all too familiar with the sting of such tragedies.
As of Monday, March 24, Raleigh police reported that no suspects are in custody. The investigation is in its early stages, and detectives are piecing together whatever evidence they can find. The lack of immediate answers has only deepened the frustration and sorrow for those seeking closure. In a brief statement, the police department declined to speculate on motives or potential leads, instead focusing their appeal on the public. They are urging anyone who might have witnessed something—however small it may seem—to come forward. For those hesitant to get involved, anonymous reporting options have been made available through Crimestoppers, reachable at 919-996-1193 or online at www.p3tips.com/89. It’s a plea that underscores the critical role the community plays in solving cases like this one.
Robert Lucas’s death marks yet another chapter in Raleigh’s ongoing struggle with violent crime, a challenge that has persisted despite efforts to curb it. The city, known for its vibrant growth and cultural richness, has not been immune to the broader national trends of gun violence that plague urban and suburban areas alike. While police have not disclosed whether this shooting is connected to other recent incidents in the region, it arrives on the heels of a weekend that saw multiple fatalities in crashes and other violent acts across the Triangle. Just a day earlier, authorities in Durham and Raleigh were grappling with separate accidents that claimed four lives, a stark reminder of the fragility of safety in everyday life.
For now, the focus remains on Lucas—a man whose story, beyond this final moment, remains untold in the public sphere. Who was he to his family, his friends, his neighbors? These questions linger as investigators work to uncover not just how he died, but why. The intersection where he was found is a busy one, frequented by commuters and locals alike, yet no one has come forward with definitive answers. Police are hopeful that security footage, witness accounts, or even a tip from someone who overheard a conversation could break the case open.
The call for information is more than a routine step in an investigation—it’s a lifeline for a case that risks going cold without public cooperation. In a city where community ties run deep, the hope is that someone, somewhere, holds the key to unlocking the truth. As the days pass, the memory of Robert Lucas serves as both a somber reminder of loss and a rallying cry for accountability. For Raleigh, a city that prides itself on progress, the resolution of this crime could signal a step toward healing—or a warning of challenges yet to be overcome. Until then, the investigation presses on, and a grieving community waits.
