Markus McKnight, a 35-year-old Black male, was tragically shot and killed on the night of December 10, 2022, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The incident occurred around 9 p.m. in the 300 block of Cude Street, a neighborhood off Gillespie Street. McKnight was pronounced dead at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center shortly after the shooting.
Following an investigation, Fayetteville Police detectives identified and arrested Anthony Ray Evers Jr., a 34-year-old White male, in connection with
McKnight's death. Evers was taken into custody on February 15, 2023, by the Fayetteville Police Department's Violent Crime Apprehension Team. He was charged with first-degree murder, discharging a firearm within an enclosure to incite fear, and possession of a firearm by a felon. Evers is currently being held at the Cumberland County Jail without bail.
Court documents revealed that Evers had a history of legal troubles, including unrelated charges of first-degree trespassing, an additional charge of possession of a firearm by a felon, and assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. The investigation into McKnight's death is ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Fayetteville Police Department or Crimestoppers.
The arrest and charges against Evers have brought some measure of justice to McKnight's family and the community, but the loss of Markus McKnight remains a painful reminder of the violence that can shatter lives. The case continues to be closely monitored as it progresses through the legal system.
