In the early morning hours of July 25, 2026, the quiet of a Fayetteville, North Carolina neighborhood was shattered by violence. Richard Brigman, a 66-year-old white male known to some as "Big Rick," was found suffering from a gunshot wound in the 6000 block of Marquette Street. First responders were dispatched to the scene following a report of an assault at approximately 4:40 a.m. Brigman was rushed to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, but tragically, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office quickly launched a homicide investigation into Brigman's death. Investigators assured the public that the shooting did not appear to be a random act and that there was no ongoing threat to the community. In the initial stages of the investigation, authorities took an individual into custody in connection with the fatal shooting. However, this person was later released. Details regarding why the individual was taken into custody or the reasons for their subsequent release have not been made public.
The investigation into Richard Brigman's murder remains active, with homicide detectives from the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office continuing to piece together the events that led to his death. Authorities have not yet publicly identified any suspects or announced any arrests since the initial person of interest was released. No information regarding a potential motive for the shooting has been shared. The case remains an open and ongoing homicide investigation, with law enforcement still seeking information from the public to bring those responsible for Richard Brigman's death to justice. As of now, there have been no convictions or sentences in this case.
