Marchellous Latrel Braddy, a 33-year-old Black male, was found dead on May 16, 2022, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. His body was discovered inside a residence on Aftonshire Drive by a resident who had just returned home. The Fayetteville Police Department responded to the scene and pronounced Braddy deceased. Another victim, Nakea Latasha Brooks, a 27-year-old Black female, was found dead in the yard of the same residence. Both victims had been shot, and the incident was not considered a murder-suicide.
The investigation revealed that Braddy and Brooks were acquaintances, and the incident did not appear to be a random act. The primary suspect in the case was Rhaim Mosies Santiago, a 29-year-old male who was known to both victims. Santiago was wanted for multiple charges, including murder, kidnapping, and robbery, in connection with the deaths of Braddy and Brooks. Additionally, Santiago had unrelated warrants for a felony probation violation and a charge from the State Highway Patrol.
On May 17, 2022, Santiago was located in Smithfield, North Carolina. Upon being approached by law enforcement, Santiago shot himself, resulting in his death. The Fayetteville Police Department confirmed that Santiago's death was due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The deaths of Marchellous Latrel Braddy and Nakea Latasha Brooks were part of a broader investigation by the Fayetteville Police Department's Homicide Unit. The police urged anyone with information regarding the case to come forward and assist in the investigation. The incident highlighted the ongoing issue of gun violence in the community and the need for continued efforts to address and prevent such tragedies.
