Tristan Lavonne Stavee was 23 when he was killed on November 29, 2020, in Whiteville, North Carolina. He and his 73-year-old grandfather, George Cleveland Stump Sr., had gone to Columbus County to buy a 2011 Chevy Camaro they located on Craigslist. The meet turned into an ambush: both men were beaten, shot and robbed; Tristan was found outside the vehicle unresponsive and was pronounced dead at the scene, while his grandfather was found inside the car with a gunshot wound and taken to a hospital in critical condition.

Columbus County authorities arrested two people within days. On December 2, 2020, Mark Anthony Nelson, 24, of Tabor City was charged with murder, attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm by a felon. On December 4, 2020, Tamika Shatavia Ford, 29, of Tabor City was charged with the same violent counts plus failure to appear on a misdemeanor; she received a secured bond of $1,250,500. Both were awaiting further court action as the investigation continued.

Tristan is survived by two daughters, Arielle and Kensley Stavee, and his fiancée, Mikayla Smith. His family and community mourned a young father described as having a unique smile and a caring soul. If anyone has information about the ambush or the vehicle transaction, please come forward.