Steven Sanderford, 39, of Jacksonville, North Carolina, was shot in the head early on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Deputies were called just after 7 a.m. to 400 Ruddy Court in the South Creek subdivision near Dawson Cabin Road. He was transported for treatment but died on Friday, September 12, 2025, three days after the shooting.

The Onslow County Sheriff’s Office said investigators began processing the scene immediately and returned to the neighborhood repeatedly while working leads. Detectives publicly identified a person of interest the following week and asked residents to submit tips through Crime Stoppers and the department’s app. Authorities described a painstaking investigation including forensics and review of digital evidence, and the case remained active with no arrest announced.

Those who knew Sanderford remembered his generosity and noted he was an organ donor. Anyone with information about the shooting or who may have seen activity near Ruddy Court the morning of September 9 is asked to come forward.