In the summer of 2026, a life was abruptly cut short in the quiet town of Whiteville, North Carolina, leaving a community in search of answers. On the evening of Thursday, June 11th, law enforcement officers were dispatched to a residence on Berry Lane, where they discovered the body of Raphael Gowans. An investigation into his death quickly determined that he had succumbed to a fatal gunshot wound, and the case was ruled a homicide.
The Columbus County Sheriff's Office immediately launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting, signaling the beginning of a search for the individual responsible for this violent act.
Within a short period, detectives identified a primary suspect in the killing of Raphael Gowans. An arrest warrant for first-degree murder was issued for 18-year-old Eric Martin Jr. Described as a Black male with a medium complexion and short dreadlocks, authorities believed him to be in the local area. Law enforcement agencies initiated an intensive manhunt, utilizing both ground patrols and aerial drone searches in the vicinity of the crime scene. Despite their efforts, Eric Martin Jr. managed to evade capture in the initial search, prompting a public appeal for information. The Columbus County Sheriff's Office cautioned the public that Martin was to be considered armed and dangerous and advised against approaching him directly.
As the search for Eric Martin Jr. continued, the community was left to grapple with the sudden and tragic loss of Raphael Gowans. Authorities urged anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspect to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation. The case remained a high priority for the Columbus County Sheriff's Office, who continued to follow leads in their pursuit of justice for Gowans. The narrative of this case concludes with a suspect at large and a community awaiting a resolution that would bring closure to the unsettling violence that had disrupted their town. The investigation into the death of Raphael Gowans is a somber reminder of the profound impact of violent crime, leaving a lasting mark on the residents of Whiteville.
