Brandon L. Ratliff, a 31-year-old African American male from Norfolk, Virginia, was fatally shot on November 26, 2016, in the parking lot of a Wendy's restaurant located at 2903 Raeford Road in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. when a group of people had arranged to meet in the parking lot, which escalated into a dispute that led to gunfire.
Ratliff was pronounced dead at the scene, while two other individuals sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.
Following the incident, Antonio Deondre Amur Styles, a 20-year-old African American male from Fayetteville, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Ratliff's death. Styles was also charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon and conspiracy to commit robbery. He was taken into custody after being discharged from the hospital, where he had been treated for minor injuries sustained during the shooting. Styles was subsequently held at the Cumberland County Detention Center without bond.
The Fayetteville Police Department continued to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities urged anyone with information regarding the homicide investigation to contact Detective J.T. Hall or Crimestoppers. The investigation aimed to uncover further details about the events leading up to the fatal shooting and to determine if any additional suspects were involved.
The tragic death of Brandon L. Ratliff highlighted the ongoing issue of gun violence in the community and the need for continued efforts to address and prevent such incidents. The case also underscored the importance of community cooperation in assisting law enforcement with their investigations to bring justice to the victims and their families.
