Two teenagers arrested in Gastonia woman’s porch shooting death

Gastonia police have arrested two teenagers in connection with the shooting death of 68-year-old Pamela Shanks, who was sitting on her back porch nearly a week ago, WBTV reported.

Shanks was shot at her home along Hillgate Avenue, with neighbors hearing multiple gunshots and seeing several young people running away, according to WBTV. Police have not confirmed if the arrested teens were among those seen fleeing.

On October 23, a 16-year-old suspect was arrested at Dulles International Airport while attempting to leave the country for Africa. A 17-year-old was taken into custody in Upstate South Carolina on October 27, with assistance from U.S. Marshals and Customs and Border Patrol, WBTV reported.

Neighbors expressed relief at the arrests but said the violence has affected how they view safety in Gastonia. Police stated the investigation is still active and ongoing.

Shanks’ fiancé expressed gratitude for the arrests, according to WBTV.