SALISBURY, N.C. — Antoine Mills entered a guilty plea to first-degree murder on Wednesday, accepting responsibility for the 2022 shooting death of Aimee Wah. The case, which concluded after more than two years of investigations and court hearings, has significantly impacted the community and Wah’s family, who are still grappling with their loss.
The court sentenced Mills to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, a decision influenced by discussions with Wah’s family. They preferred to avoid a potentially prolonged and painful trial. Rowan County District Attorney Brandy Cook noted that such discussions were crucial in reaching a swift and decisive outcome.
During the sentencing, heart-wrenching testimonials were heard, particularly from Andrew Wah Jr., Aimee’s brother, who expressed profound grief and the ongoing struggle to find peace. “Closure has been an uphill battle… This won’t bring Amy back, but I can know that she is resting peacefully now,” he said.
Details of the crime provided by the prosecution painted a chilling picture. Aimee Wah was murdered in the early morning hours of June 2, 2022, in her home where she was residing with her family. Mills, armed and previously having assaulted Wah, returned to fatally shoot her while she was in bed with their children.
According to authorities, after the crime, Mills fled to Cabarrus County but was soon apprehended by local law enforcement. The weapon found in his possession further linked him directly to the murder scene, corroborating the terrifying account of the event.
While being transported to jail, Mills expressed regret, particularly the presence of his children during the act, suggesting a tumultuous end to their relationship, according to what Aimee had communicated to her family weeks prior to her murder.
Superior Court Judge Michael Adkins highlighted the gravity of the crime, noting the potential danger Mills’ actions posed to the children present: “It is fortunate, to the extent that anything can be seen as fortunate in this case, that there are not multiple first-degree hrder charges today.”
The emotional toll on Aimee’s family was visible, as members including her siblings, mother, and aunts, took time after the court session to console each other and remember Aimee. Madeleine Snipes, Aimee’s older sister, spoke of her relief at the justice served: “It’s been a long journey, and now he gets to think about what he did every day of his life. Everyday.”
Even in death, her family sought to imbue Aimee’s tragic death with significance. Conversations with their community and media aimed at raising awareness on domestic violence underscored their hope that Aimee’s story could prompt others to seek help.
Aimee’s personal life attested to her resilience and determination. She had recently been promoted at her job and was preparing to move into her own apartment, showcasing her dedication to providing for her family and advancing her own life.
At a deeply personal level, her sister Alizabeth Wah reflected on Aimee’s giving nature and her desire to make her family proud. “She always took accountability for her actions. And though she would give you everything she had and never expect recognition, she did want you to know if she’d taken your advice and that it had worked. She wanted you to be
proud of her,” she said.
Throughout the tragic narrative, the loss of Aimee Wah resonates deeply, leaving a void in a family fighting to celebrate her life while confronting the reality of her absence. The community, likewise, has been marked indelibly by the story, serving to remind us of the devastating impacts of domestic violence and the often silent battles many face behind closed doors.