Brian Roshaun Johnson, a 32-year-old African American male, was tragically shot to death on September 17, 2019, in the yard of his residence on East 8th Avenue in Red Springs, North Carolina. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. The investigation into his death led to significant developments and arrests.
On February 24, 2020, Red Springs Police Chief Ronnie Patterson announced that the town's only homicide for 2019 had been solved with the arrest of Austin Hakeem Fairley, a
22-year-old male. Fairley was charged with first-degree murder in connection with Johnson's death. At the time of his arrest, Fairley was already incarcerated in the Robeson County Detention Center on unrelated charges of possession of a firearm by a felon and felony probation violation. He was held without bond.
In addition to Austin Fairley, his 43-year-old aunt, Latasha Michelle Fairley, was charged with accessory after the fact in connection with the murder. Latasha Fairley was also facing charges related to driving offenses in a separate incident that occurred in Hoke County. She was granted a $250,000 secured bond. The police were also searching for Angela Lynn Fairley, a 19-year-old female from the St. Pauls community of Robeson County, in connection with Johnson's murder. Angela Fairley, who is married to Austin Fairley, had specific charges that were not released at the time.
Chief Patterson expressed his gratitude to the citizens of Red Springs for their assistance in bringing the case to a close. He also acknowledged the instrumental role played by his investigator and the State Bureau of Investigation during the process. Patterson, who was soon to retire, felt a sense of relief knowing that the case had ended with an arrest.
The tragic death of Brian Roshaun Johnson and the subsequent investigation highlight the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and the community in seeking justice for the victim and his family.
