Ricky Franklin Mintz, 31, of Elizabethtown, North Carolina, was found with gunshot wounds on Blue Moon Drive on March 2, 2020. He was taken to Cape Fear Valley‑Bladen County Hospital, where he died of his injuries. The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office opened a murder investigation and requested an autopsy to document the wounds.

Investigators say unknown persons shot Mintz; no arrests have been announced and the suspects remain unidentified. The death shocked the small community, where Mintz was a known local resident. Authorities have asked anyone with information to contact the Sheriff’s Office.

If anyone knew Ricky Franklin Mintz, saw activity on Blue Moon Drive that day, or has information relevant to the case, please come forward to law enforcement.