Monroe home targeted by gunfire for 2nd time, a painful reminder of boy’s death

MONROE, N.C. — A Monroe mother said she’s reliving a nightmare after dozens of bullets were fired into her home Monday night while her seven children were inside. A teen, who was one of the shooters, was accidentally hit during the gunfire, Monroe police said.

It’s the second time in seven months her house has been targeted. The first shooting in December 2024 led to the death of her 12-year-old son, Messiah Barrino.

Danielle Blount said she’s grateful none of her children were hurt in Monday night’s shooting, but she said it was an awful reminder of what happened to Messiah.

“I had a son sitting in the garage where you see the bullet went through,” said Blount.

Blount showed Channel 9’s Gina Esposito where dozens of bullets pierced her home and car while her children were inside Monday night.

“I had one sitting in the island where he was eating,” said Blount. “One came by his face, and my daughter was sitting on top of her bunk bed when come came flying past her.”

Surveillance video showed a car drive by her home on Skywatch Lane just before 11:30 p.m.

Five people get out and start shooting.

Monroe police said a 16-year-old in the group was hit in the chest. He’s currently at a Charlotte hospital and was listed in stable condition.

“Last night was just a reminder of what I had to deal with when they did that to Messiah that night,” Blount said.

In December 2024, Messiah was killed after Monroe police said he was hit by a stray bullet during a fight outside their home.

Police arrested Jaydin Blakeney who will be tried as adult for murder.

“It’s time for us to start charging the parents for their children’s acts, as well as charging them,” said Tina Sykes-Mosley, founder of Mothers Advocating for Change and Unwavering Support.

She said parents need to get control of their kids so families like Blount’s don’t suffer.

“I just pray that everybody is held accountable and that we get justice for Messiah and justice for getting my home bought up,” Sykes-Mosley said.

Monroe police said they are still actively investigating and working to identity the gunmen from Monday night’s shooting.

This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

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