Horace Rufus Epps Jr., a 54-year-old man from Spring Lake, NC, tragically lost his life on February 15, 2015. Epps was found in the roadway on the 1300 block of Gary Street, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds. He was quickly transported to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Following the incident, Spring Lake police launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding Epps' death.
Detectives identified Ryan Scott White, a 26-year-old man, as a suspect in the case. White was charged with first-degree murder in connection with Epps' death. According to reports, Epps was seen leaving a Walmart in Spring Lake with a man approximately 30 minutes before he was found shot. Investigators have not confirmed if Epps was with White at the time.
Ryan Scott White was arrested and held without bond at the Cumberland County Detention Center. He was expected to make his first court appearance shortly after his arrest. The case drew significant attention from local law enforcement and the community, as authorities sought to gather more information and evidence to build a strong case against White.
The tragic death of Horace Rufus Epps Jr. left a lasting impact on the Spring Lake community, prompting calls for justice and a thorough investigation to ensure that those responsible for his death were held accountable. The case remains a poignant reminder of the importance of community safety and the need for vigilance in preventing such senseless acts of violence.
