Fulton Bear Oates, 31, was shot and killed behind a residence at 720 Sampson Homes in Clinton, North Carolina, on February 8, 2023, at about 4:50 p.m. Emergency Medical Services pronounced him dead at the scene. Investigators say Oates had been conversing with one or more people behind the residence when an altercation led to the shooting, and they described the attack as targeted rather than random.

The City of Clinton announced a $10,000 reward on February 27, 2023, for information leading to arrest and conviction. On April 3, 2023, police arrested 25-year-old Tamus Emmanuel McNeil on charges of first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon; he was held without bond in the Sampson County Detention Center. Authorities said the investigation remained active.

If anyone saw activity near 720 Sampson Homes on February 8, 2023, or has information about this homicide, please share what is known with Clinton Police.