NEW HANOVER COUNTY, N.C. — A tragic incident unfolded in a Walmart store on Carolina Beach Road on a Saturday night in November 2024, when a confrontation escalated into a shooting that resulted in the death of Mark Paz, an employee. The accused gunman, Dean Newman, has recently come forward to discuss the events of that fateful night as he faces first-degree murder charges.
What began as a typical shopping experience quickly devolved into chaos, marking a night many would remember for a lifetime. According to the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, an attempted theft initiated a violent altercation that culminated in the shooting.
Newman, who has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 2008, agreed to an interview one year after the incident. His past includes charges for various offenses, including breaking and entering and assaulting an officer. Reflecting on the tragedy, he expressed profound remorse for the pain caused to Paz’s loved ones.
“Every day, I think about this man and his family, especially as the holidays approach. It haunts me, and I sincerely wish I could erase what happened,” Newman said. He revealed that he was grappling with a severe drug addiction at the time, having struggled with methamphetamine use for years, which affected his actions that night.
Newman recounted fragments of his memories from the shooting, describing how he felt cornered while trying to leave the store. “I remember someone grabbing me, and then everything went blank. I don’t recall much after that,” he said, acknowledging the severity of the situation and its aftermath.
During the confrontation, it is alleged that Newman drew a firearm and shot Paz, who was nearby but not among the individuals confronting him. Newman stated he had no recollection of bringing a gun into the store.
As the legal proceedings loom, the tragic loss of Paz looms heavy in the air. “No statement can mend the parents’ pain or bring back their loved one. I realize there’s nothing I can say that would ease their grief,” Newman added, recognizing the weight of his actions.
In his path to seeking redemption, Newman found solace in religion while incarcerated. He emphasized the importance of seeking help for anyone battling addiction, sharing a warning about the dangers of methamphetamine. “It destroys lives and clouds your judgment. If you or someone you know is struggling, please get help,” he urged.
Though Newman’s words may offer a glimpse of accountability, they do little to alter the heartbreaking reality faced by Paz’s family. The ramifications of that November evening continue to resonate within the community, leaving deep scars and unanswered questions.