Christopher Joseph Pearce, 42, of Erwin, North Carolina, was shot and killed on November 2, 2022. Deputies responding to reports of shots fired at a home on Elmon Gilchrist Lane found Pearce in the yard with an upper chest wound; despite deputies’ life‑saving efforts and EMS care he was pronounced dead at 9:13 a.m. The autopsy attributed the fatal wound to a pellet fired from a pellet gun, and investigators say Pearce was struck multiple times.

Authorities say the shooter was Pearce’s cousin, 23‑year‑old Rachel Diane Ferguson, who lived at the residence with her husband and child. Ferguson was arrested November 3, 2022, and charged with second‑degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, and three counts of assault with a deadly weapon; she was being held without bond on the murder charge.

Reports indicate the shooting followed a confrontation in which Ferguson suspected Pearce of stealing and wanted him off the property. The weapon and the family connection have drawn attention; other details about the incident remain limited. If anyone knew Christopher or has information about what happened that morning, please share what can help the investigation.