A fatal shooting at a Days Inn in Raleigh ended without charges after police determined the hotel employee acted in self-defense. The man who was shot, 35-year-old Byron Bracey, was reportedly trespassing on the property at the time.
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RALEIGH, NC (2-minute read) — A man was fatally shot Thursday night at a Days Inn on Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh after allegedly trespassing on the property. Raleigh police have determined that the shooting, which involved a hotel employee, was an act of self-defense and have decided not to press any charges.
Officers responded to the hotel around 10:30 p.m. following a call about a trespassing incident. When they arrived, they found 35-year-old Byron Bracey suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died.
Investigators confirmed that the individual who fired the shots was an employee of the hotel, though their name has not been released. According to law enforcement, Bracey had no legal right to be on the premises at the time and reportedly posed a threat that justified the use of lethal force.
It remains unclear whether Bracey and the employee had any prior interactions. The investigation concluded with police stating the employee acted lawfully under North Carolina’s self-defense statutes.
Understanding Self-Defense Laws in North Carolina
In North Carolina, the law allows individuals to use deadly force if they reasonably believe it’s necessary to prevent imminent death or serious bodily harm. This includes protection of oneself, others, and, in some cases, property. The Castle Doctrine may also apply, extending to businesses under certain conditions, allowing employees or owners to defend the premises with a legally owned firearm.
Incidents like this remind concealed carriers and gun owners alike of the importance of being familiar with local laws governing the justified use of force. Even in clear-cut cases of self-defense, there are legal processes that must be followed, and outcomes can vary depending on the circumstances and available evidence.
Safety Tip: If you carry a firearm for personal defense, regularly review your state’s self-defense laws and know when deadly force is legally justified. Situational awareness and de-escalation should always be your first line of defense.
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