Mercedes Rosa Sterling, a 41-year-old woman from Fayetteville, North Carolina, tragically passed away on January 10, 2022. Her death was the result of a fatal shooting that occurred inside her home on Ryan Street. The incident took place around 3:15 p.m. and was reported to be the outcome of a domestic disturbance. Mercedes Rosa Sterling, who was of Hispanic ethnicity, was found dead at the scene when authorities arrived.
The Fayetteville Police Department quickly identified and arrested
Roland Dewayne Smith Jr., a 49-year-old man who also resided in the same home. Smith was charged with first-degree murder and was held without bond at the Cumberland County Detention Center. The preliminary investigation revealed that the shooting was a result of a domestic dispute, and the department's homicide unit continued to investigate the case.
At the time of the shooting, three children were present in the house, but fortunately, they were unharmed. The police urged anyone with information about the homicide to contact Detective J. Arrington or Crimestoppers. The tragic death of Mercedes Rosa Sterling highlighted the severe consequences of domestic violence and the need for continued efforts to address and prevent such incidents.
