Fayetteville, North Carolina — January 26, 2026: Three members of the same family have died following a shooting and related violence at a home in Fayetteville Sunday night, authorities said. Police have made an arrest, and detectives are continuing their investigation into what happened.
What Happened
Fayetteville police responded to reports of shots fired around 9:30 p.m. Sunday on North Sumac Circle. When officers arrived, they found two adults, a 50-year-old woman and her 25-year-old son, who had been shot. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
A third family member, 23-year-old Amanda Smith, was found with gunshot wounds and taken to a nearby hospital, where she later died.
Investigation and Arrest
Police say a 25-year-old man named Nijyle Lewis, described as an associate of one of the victims, was taken into custody and is now facing three counts of first-degree murder in connection with the incident.
Investigators believe the situation began with an altercation between Lewis and one of the victims, during which shots were fired. Lewis was reportedly injured as well and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
At this time, authorities have described the incident as isolated and have not indicated there is any ongoing threat to the wider community.
Community Response and Next Steps
The Fayetteville Police Department continues to gather evidence and interview witnesses as part of its investigation. Officials are asking anyone with information to contact Fayetteville / Cumberland County Crime Stoppers.
Local leaders and neighbors have expressed sorrow over the loss of life. Police have offered condolences to the family members affected and emphasized the importance of community cooperation as the investigation proceeds.
