GOLDSBORO, N.C. — A man involved in an early-morning shooting and barricaded standoff in Goldsboro has died following an officer-involved shooting and house fire that unfolded Wednesday morning.
According to the Goldsboro Police Department, officers responded April 15, 2026, at approximately 5:31 a.m. to a disturbance in the 1100 block of Shelley Drive. The initial call reported a breaking and entering in progress, but the situation escalated while officers were en route.
When officers arrived, they heard gunshots coming from inside the residence. The victim, Yolanda Farmer, 56, exited the home. Authorities say the suspect, Alexander Jones, 62, then fired his weapon in the direction of Farmer and responding officers. Officers returned fire, striking Jones.
Jones retreated back inside the residence and barricaded himself. Officers established a perimeter, and nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution. Farmer was transported to UNC Health Wayne, where she remains hospitalized in serious condition.
The Goldsboro Police Department’s Crisis Negotiation Team attempted to contact Jones but was unsuccessful. Emergency response teams from Wayne, Lenoir, Greene, and Johnston counties responded to assist during the extended standoff.
Authorities utilized specialized equipment including robotic technology, drones, and tactical resources to locate the suspect and safely resolve the situation. The Emergency Response Team also deployed gas into the residence in an attempt to gain compliance.
The Goldsboro Fire Department and Wayne County EMS remained on scene throughout the incident, with fire personnel also deploying a drone to assist operations.
During the standoff, a fire was observed inside the residence. Additional fire units were called, but suppression efforts were temporarily delayed until Jones was located and taken into custody to ensure responder safety.
Contact was later established with Jones, who surrendered and exited the residence. He received immediate medical attention and was transported to UNC Health Wayne before being transferred to UNC Hospital.
On April 16, 2026, authorities confirmed Jones succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is conducting an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting and the cause of the fire. The Goldsboro Police Department continues investigating the attempted murder.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
