A 24-year-old Weldon man was shot and killed while he was outside on the balcony of a local motel, Roanoke Rapids police said this morning.

Chief Bobby Martin said Aaron Martin was registered as a guest at Baymont Inn when he was shot and killed. Chief Martin said it was unclear why the man was a guest at the motel.

Chief Martin said investigators believe Aaron Martin was the intended victim in the case and someone killed him. “We don’t know what the motive is right now. We’re still in the early stages.”

Investigators have processed evidence in Aaron Martin’s room but the police chief declined to elaborate on what was collected.

In a statement Chief Martin said officers responded to the Baymont Inn shortly after 8:45 this morning after receiving a call someone had been shot.

Officers located Aaron Martin on the second floor and discovered he was unresponsive and had been shot in the upper body. 

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the police department at 252-533-2810 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.