Steven Somers, a 33-year-old male from Haw River, NC, was tragically killed on November 11, 2019. The incident occurred on Payne Road, where Somers was living with his grandfather, Jerry Williamson. Both Somers and Williamson were shot to death with a high-powered rifle. The suspect, Justin Lynn Ramirez, was a 31-year-old fugitive who had been staying with Somers and Williamson on their property.
Ramirez had outstanding warrants for breaking and entering and larceny in Haw River.
The motive behind the murders is believed to be a verbal altercation between Ramirez and Williamson over the use of rifles on the property. Ramirez had been living in a shed on Williamson's land with Somers since August. On the day of the incident, Ramirez was reportedly shooting toward Williamson's house, prompting Williamson to ask him to stop. Later that day, both Williamson and Somers were found dead, each shot in the head.
Ramirez was apprehended by Asheboro police after being on the run for hours. He was found at a BP gas station in Asheboro, driving a stolen pickup truck. Ramirez was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and felony larceny of a motor vehicle. The District Attorney mentioned that the death penalty was being considered for Ramirez.
The investigation revealed that Ramirez and Somers were supposedly friends before the incident. Family members of both the suspect and the victims indicated that drugs were involved in Ramirez's life, and Somers had been put out of his house due to his behavior, which is why they were living next door.
