Malik Lamont Otameise Martin, a 16-year-old Black male, tragically lost his life on August 25, 2022, in Graham, North Carolina. Born on August 24, 2006, to Charles Pulliam Jr. and Priscilla Brown in Chapel Hill, NC, Malik was his mother’s youngest child and his father's eldest child. He was educated in North Carolina, Virginia, and California. Malik enjoyed playing video games, basketball, watching funny Instagram videos, and spending time with his family.
On the night of his 16th
birthday, Malik Martin was killed in a double homicide near Graham Village Apartments at 901 East Hanover Road, on the edge of Graham. The incident also claimed the life of Melvin Wiley. Two teenagers were charged with first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Malik Martin and Melvin Wiley. Tyshon Wiley, a 17-year-old Black male, was one of the suspects. During a probable cause hearing, Tyshon Wiley was indicted on two first-degree murder charges and was sent to superior court. He faces the possibility of two life sentences in prison.
The second suspect, a 14-year-old Black male named Kymoni Melendez Poteat, also faces charges in the double homicide. A decision on whether he will be tried in juvenile or adult court was continued until the following month. Both suspects were indicted by a grand jury on the charges. Tyshon Wiley confessed to being involved in the crime and was given a $2 million bond with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitor and remaining at home except in emergencies.
Malik Martin's death has left a profound impact on his family and community. He is survived by his mother Priscilla Brown, maternal great grandmother Priscilla Jones, maternal grandmother Diane Byrd, and sister Jahnek Brown. Additionally, he is survived by his father Charles Pulliam Jr, paternal grandparents Charles and Tammy Pulliam, paternal great-grandmothers Georgia Pulliam and Cathy Sellars, and paternal uncle Cedric Pulliam. Malik is also survived by brothers Khamron Pulliam, Elijah and Ezra McDowell, Kamden Bowman, and Josiah Pulliam, along with a host of maternal and paternal aunts, uncles, and cousins.
