On September 21, 2024, 37-year-old Joseph Melvin of Roseboro was shot and killed outside New Image Barbershop at 1303 Beaman Street in Clinton. The shooting occurred about 12:59 p.m. after an argument that escalated into gunfire. Melvin, a barber at New Image Barbershop, was taken by private vehicle to Sampson Regional Medical Center and pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Witnesses reported seeing a possible suspect flee in a dark-colored SUV. That vehicle was later found at 465 Five Bridge Road, where 31-year-old Clinton resident Tevin Bryant and 36-year-old Meredith Odum were located and brought to the Clinton Police Department for questioning; Odum has not been implicated. On October 1, 2024, Bryant was arrested and charged with one count of murder and placed in the Sampson County Detention Center without bond. Family members remember Melvin as generous with an infectious smile and say he leaves three children.

The Clinton Police Department and the Sampson County District Attorney’s office say the investigation is active and the motive remains under scrutiny; anyone with information can submit an anonymous tip by texting 847411 and beginning the message with tipcpd. Does anyone have information about what happened outside New Image Barbershop that afternoon?