On January 13, 2024, at about 10:40 p.m., deputies from the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of gunfire in the 500 block of Wayside Road near Brock Road, just west of Fayetteville, North Carolina. Before deputies arrived, 41-year-old Eric Joseph Walters was taken to Cape Fear Valley Hoke Hospital with a gunshot wound and later died of his injuries.

The investigation identified multiple suspects. On February 6, 2024, 27-year-old Manizah Ikey Capers was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, discharging a weapon into occupied property, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and felony conspiracy. On March 11, 2024, 23-year-old Ronnie Junior Slate was arrested on charges including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, discharging a weapon into occupied property, and felony conspiracy. On March 22, 2024, 22-year-old Rayion Martez Slate was arrested and charged with felony conspiracy and accessory after the fact; he was held on a secured bond of $150,000 with a court date set for March 25, 2024.

The community continues to mourn Eric Joseph Walters while legal proceedings move forward. If anyone has information about the shooting or knew Walters, please come forward to assist the investigation.