Curtis Howard Wisher III, a 25-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on January 30, 2017, in Hope Mills, North Carolina. Curtis, affectionately known as "CJ," was born on December 6, 1991, to Curtis and Deborah Wisher Jr. in Dover, Delaware. He was a kind and loving person, always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. Curtis graduated from EE Smith High School in 2010 and later continued his education at Miller-Motte College, where he successfully completed the Barbering
Program in October 2015. He was employed at Phoenix Incorporated, delivering construction materials to various businesses.
Curtis's life was cut short due to a fatal shooting that occurred outside Snap Fitness in the Millstone Shopping Center in Hope Mills. On the evening of January 30, 2017, Curtis was followed into the parking lot by the suspect, Jarrod Lamont McLaurin, who immediately began shooting once Curtis got out of his car. Curtis was taken to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
The investigation revealed that the shooting was likely the result of an argument over a woman. Jarrod Lamont McLaurin, a 29-year-old male from Lumber Bridge, was arrested with the assistance of the Hoke County Sheriff's Office. McLaurin was charged with one count of first-degree murder and was held at the Cumberland County Detention Center. He made his first court appearance on February 1, 2017, and was denied bond. If convicted, McLaurin faces life in prison or the death penalty.
Curtis's father, Curtis Wisher Sr., expressed his grief and anger over the senseless violence that took his son's life. He described Curtis as a young man with dreams of becoming a barber, aspirations that were tragically cut short. The Wisher family, along with friends and loved ones, continue to mourn the loss of Curtis Howard Wisher III, remembering him for his love and devotion to his family and friends.
