WILMINGTON, N.C. — A New Hanover County jury has convicted 34-year-old Keisha Baldwin of first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of 45-year-old Tammy Hayes outside the Edge Lounge nightclub in Wilmington. Baldwin was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on August 28, 2025, bringing closure to a case that began more than three years ago.
According to police reports, the incident occurred in the early hours of February 26, 2022, around 1:36 a.m., when Wilmington officers responded to a shots fired call at the Edge Lounge, located on the 1300 block of South 5th Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered Hayes suffering from a gunshot wound to her chest. Emergency crews worked to save her, but she succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
Security Footage Provides Key Evidence
Investigators reviewed security footage from the nightclub, which showed Hayes exiting the club and engaging in a brief physical interaction with another woman outside. The two women were seen arguing before stepping out of the camera’s frame. Bystanders began fleeing as the situation escalated.
Moments later, the other woman reappeared in the video holding a gun and firing two shots into the air before leaving the scene. Investigators recovered three 9mm shell casings at the location.
Identification and Investigation
Two witnesses later identified Keisha Baldwin as the shooter during a photo lineup of eight individuals. Detectives also linked Baldwin to a separate incident earlier that day at a Market Street hotel, where a handgun was reportedly pulled on staff.
Law enforcement apprehended Baldwin a few hours after the shooting without incident, and she was formally charged with first-degree murder.
Closure and Legal Outcome
The Edge Lounge, where the deadly encounter began, has since been closed following nuisance abatement action taken jointly by the District Attorney’s Office, the City of Wilmington, and the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement.
After a thorough trial, a New Hanover County jury found Baldwin guilty of first-degree murder on August 28, 2025. The presiding judge sentenced her to life in prison without the possibility of parole, ensuring she will remain behind bars for the remainder of her life.
The case marks a significant example of law enforcement, prosecutors, and the community working together to hold violent offenders accountable. For the family and friends of Tammy Hayes, the conviction provides a measure of justice for her untimely death, though the loss of her life remains deeply felt.
Authorities continue to emphasize public awareness about safety and the dangers of firearms in social settings, noting that quick police response and thorough investigation were key to bringing Baldwin to justice.
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