In a quiet Fayetteville, North Carolina neighborhood, the evening of January 25, 2026, was shattered by violence that claimed the lives of three family members. Erin Poole, a 29-year-old White male, was fatally shot inside his home on North Sumac Circle. The tragic incident also resulted in the deaths of his mother, 50-year-old Cheri Smith, and his 23-year-old sister, Amanda Smith.
Fayetteville Police Department officers responded to reports of shots fired at the residence at
approximately 9:35 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered a grim scene. Erin Poole and his mother, Cheri Smith, were found deceased inside the home, both having sustained gunshot wounds. Amanda Smith was found alive but with life-threatening gunshot injuries. She was rushed to a local hospital but tragically succumbed to her injuries. The family was described by neighbors as being very close-knit and loving.
The investigation into the triple homicide quickly identified a suspect, 25-year-old Nijyle Lewis, who was described as an associate of Cheri Smith. Authorities believe an altercation between Smith and Lewis escalated, leading to the fatal shootings. During the violent encounter, Lewis sustained multiple stab wounds. He fled the scene on foot and sought help at a nearby residence, from where emergency services were called.
After receiving medical treatment for his injuries and being stabilized, Nijyle Lewis was charged with three counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Erin Poole, Cheri Smith, and Amanda Smith. The Fayetteville Police Department has stated that the incident was not a random act of violence and that there is no ongoing threat to the community. The investigation is ongoing, with detectives from the Homicide Unit examining witness statements, surveillance footage, and 9-1-1 calls to piece together the events of that fatal night.
