SALISBURY, N.C. – Tragedy struck in the early hours of Saturday, October 6, 2024, as the Salisbury Police Department responded to reports of gunshots fired in a parking lot located at 127 East Innes Street. The call, received around 2:49 a.m., led officers to a scene of violence, where two individuals had been struck by gunfire.
Upon their arrival, police discovered two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency services were quickly dispatched, and one of the victims was transported to Presbyterian Hospital, where they remain in critical condition, battling life-threatening injuries. The second victim, however, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have identified the deceased as 47-year-old Donald James Krajnyak.
The incident shook the Salisbury community, as it unfolded in a quiet area of downtown. Police quickly launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The Salisbury Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division promptly began its work, collecting evidence and interviewing potential witnesses.
Within a few hours of the shooting, at approximately 6:00 a.m., investigators had identified a suspect. The police tracked the individual to 1142 New Jersey Drive in Salisbury, where they arrested 23-year-old Alexus Burshell Bost. Miss Bost has been charged with first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. She has since been placed in the Rowan County Detention Center without bond, awaiting further legal proceedings.
The swift arrest demonstrates the Salisbury Police Department’s dedication to solving this case, and authorities continue to actively investigate the incident. While the police have not yet released further details about the motive or circumstances that led to the shooting, they have urged anyone with additional information to come forward.
The authorities have also expressed their condolences to the family of Donald James Krajnyak during this difficult time. “Our prayers are with the victim’s family,” said a spokesperson from the Salisbury Police Department. “We are committed to thoroughly investigating this matter to bring justice and closure to the loved ones of the deceased.”
The Salisbury Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division is leading the inquiry, but they are not alone in their efforts. The department has extended its gratitude to multiple local and state agencies that assisted in the investigation and arrest of the suspect. Among these are the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Granite Quarry Police Department, Spencer Police Department, North Carolina Highway Patrol, and Rockwell Police Department.
The involvement of these agencies highlights the importance of collaboration in addressing violent crime in the region. In recent years, communities in North Carolina have grappled with increasing incidents of gun violence, prompting law enforcement to work together more closely to ensure public safety.
In light of the investigation’s ongoing nature, authorities have refrained from providing more specific details about the incident. However, they are calling on anyone with information to come forward. Witnesses or individuals with relevant knowledge are encouraged to contact Lieutenant Casper at (704) 638-5333 or (704) 638-5211. Those who wish to submit video footage or tips anonymously can do so via the Salisbury Police Department’s Facebook page or through the email provided: investigations@salisburync.gov.
The Salisbury Police Department remains committed to ensuring that those responsible for this act of violence are held accountable. As the investigation progresses, updates will be provided when appropriate, but for now, the community is left grappling with the devastating loss of life and the ongoing concern for the critically injured survivor.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the crucial role the public plays in helping law enforcement bring justice to those affected by violent crimes. As the investigation continues, the Salisbury Police Department will undoubtedly work diligently to bring the full facts of this tragic case to light.