John Paul Zubia, a 24-year-old male from New Bern, North Carolina, tragically lost his life on February 13, 2014. Zubia, who was a linebacker and left tackle with the Pamlico County High School football team, was also a wrestler and on the track team. He was survived by his parents, Paul and Sina Zubia, his son, Collin Cash, his sister, Christina Nicole Zubia, and two brothers, Santiago "CJ" Rios Jr.
and Daniel "Budda" Santiago Rios.
The incident leading to Zubia's death occurred at a boat ramp off Lee Landing Road in Reelsboro, Pamlico County. According to Pamlico County Sheriff Billy Sawyer Jr., the deadly shooting stemmed from a fight over a woman. Zubia, along with Cleveland Caraway and another man, were involved in an altercation. During the fight, the other man beat Zubia with a baseball bat before Caraway shot him. The man who hit Zubia with the baseball bat was treated at CarolinaEast Medical Center in New Bern for injuries sustained in the fight.
Two suspects were arrested in connection with Zubia's death. Cleveland Caraway, a 34-year-old male from Alliance, was charged with an open count of murder. Kristen Lee, a 31-year-old female from Grantsboro, was charged with accessory after the fact because her car was used during the crime. Caraway faced a maximum punishment of death or life in prison without parole if convicted, while Lee could get up to 100 months in prison for the accessory charge.
The case drew significant attention, and the community mourned the loss of John Paul Zubia. His funeral was held on February 20, 2014, at the Bryant Funeral Home & Crematory in Alliance. The tragic circumstances surrounding his death left a lasting impact on his family and friends.
