Rafat Abdelaziz, a 29-year-old male, tragically lost his life on December 31, 2014, in Lumberton, North Carolina. The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. on New Year's Eve when Abdelaziz was approached by two suspects, Corey Matthew Deese, 22, and Artiz Quante Bowden, 19, while he was in his vehicle on the 1300 block of Furman Drive. The suspects attempted to rob Abdelaziz, and when he and his companion, Alexis Parker, were unable to comply with their demands, Deese opened fire, fatally
wounding Abdelaziz. Parker, who was in the back seat cradling Abdelaziz's 6-year-old son, initially thought the shots were fired into the air.
Following the shooting, Parker managed to drive the vehicle to the Liberty convenience store on Fayetteville Road to seek help. By the time they arrived at the store, Abdelaziz had already succumbed to his injuries. The police were called to the scene shortly after, and an investigation was launched.
Both suspects, Deese and Bowden, were charged with first-degree murder, armed robbery, shooting into an occupied property, and two counts of felony conspiracy. Deese was apprehended on January 1, 2015, while Bowden turned himself in to the authorities on January 7, 2015. Both men were held at the Robeson County Detention Center under no bond for the murder charges and an $85,000 bond for the other charges.
The investigation revealed that Deese and Bowden had prior criminal records. Deese had been previously convicted of wanton injury to personal property in December 2009 and sentenced to probation, while Bowden had a misdemeanor larceny conviction from April 2013, also resulting in probation. The case was referred to the District Attorney's Office for further review and potential additional charges.
The tragic death of Rafat Abdelaziz left a profound impact on his family and friends, particularly his young son, who witnessed the horrific event. The community of Lumberton was shaken by the senseless act of violence, and the case remains a somber reminder of the dangers of armed robbery and the devastating consequences it can have on innocent lives.
