Josefina Tavarez Obituary, Death – A fatal shooting in Wake Forest has led to a murder charge as authorities continue their investigation into the deadly incident. Police have taken a 44-year-old man into custody following a Tuesday evening shooting on Mill Dam Road that resulted in the death of a local woman. The event has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the serious consequences of domestic disputes that escalate into violence.
According to Wake Forest town officials, law enforcement officers were dispatched to the scene around 7 p.m. on Tuesday after reports of gunfire in the 5500 block of Mill Dam Road, near Winter Jasmine Lane. Upon arriving, officers found a woman suffering from life-threatening injuries in the residential neighborhood. Emergency responders transported the woman to a nearby hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries, confirming the severity of the incident.
Authorities quickly secured the area, blocking off most of the residential street to conduct a thorough investigation. CBS 17 reporters on the scene noted that police maintained a strong presence throughout the night to ensure safety and preserve evidence. The community watched as officers carried out their work, gathering information to piece together what had led to the tragic outcome.
Court records and town officials later confirmed that Hariston Jose Urena Morales, 44, has been formally charged with murder in connection with the shooting. Morales’s arrest underscores the serious nature of the crime, and his case has drawn attention from both local law enforcement and residents concerned about safety in their neighborhoods. The charge came just a day after the shooting, highlighting the swift response of authorities in investigating violent crimes.
Police identified the victim as 40-year-old Josefina Tavarez, a resident of Wake Forest. Officials have confirmed that the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute, noting that the investigation revealed the incident was not random but rather connected to a personal conflict between the suspect and the victim. Town officials issued a statement explaining that the circumstances of the case indicated a domestic altercation had escalated to the use of deadly force, tragically ending in loss of life.
Morales has been denied bond due to a citizenship discrepancy, according to court records. He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday afternoon, where further legal proceedings will take place. The lack of bond reflects the gravity of the charges and the potential risks associated with releasing the suspect while the investigation continues. Authorities have emphasized that the legal process will proceed to ensure justice for the victim and accountability for the accused.
The incident has highlighted the challenges law enforcement faces when responding to domestic-related violence. Police stress the importance of addressing conflicts before they escalate and encourage community members to seek assistance when disputes arise. Domestic violence resources and intervention programs are critical in preventing such tragedies, and officials hope that increased awareness can help reduce the likelihood of similar incidents in the future.
Wake Forest police continue to investigate the shooting, collecting witness statements, reviewing evidence, and coordinating with legal authorities to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the case. The department has urged anyone with information related to the incident to come forward, as additional details may help clarify the events leading to the fatal shooting.
As the investigation progresses, the community mourns the loss of Josefina Tavarez, a 40-year-old resident whose life was cut short by a violent encounter. Residents have expressed condolences to her family and called for justice, while authorities work to hold the responsible party accountable. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by domestic disputes when they escalate unchecked and underscores the critical role of timely intervention by law enforcement.
With the suspect in custody and facing serious charges, Wake Forest officials and the police department continue their efforts to bring clarity and resolution to the incident, ensuring that justice is pursued and community safety is maintained.
