Shawn Lawrence Williams Jr., a 21-year-old resident of Fayetteville, North Carolina, was known as a young man whose memory would be cherished for the time he spent with his loved ones and the positive influence he had on their lives. Born on August 31, 2005, the young Black man's life was filled with relationships, hopes, and possibilities that were tragically cut short.
His family and friends would later remember the moments that brought joy to those around him as they mourned a life that ended far too soon.
On the evening of Friday, September 25, 2026, tragedy struck at a convenience store in Fayetteville. At approximately 8:31 p.m., officers with the Fayetteville Police Department were dispatched to a Circle K gas station located in the 2100 block of Cedar Creek Road, not far from Interstate 95, following reports of a disturbance and shots being fired. When police arrived at the scene, they found Shawn outside the front doors of the store, suffering from a critical gunshot wound. First responders and police attempted life-saving measures, but Shawn’s injuries were too severe, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Fayetteville Police Department immediately launched a homicide investigation into the shooting death of Shawn Williams Jr. Detectives began processing the scene for evidence and speaking with potential witnesses to piece together the events that led to the fatal gunfire. The case was assigned to Detective J. Bergamine, who led the effort to identify the person or persons responsible for the killing. The department reached out to the public for assistance, urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
Within a week, the investigation led to a significant development. On October 2, 2026, Fayetteville police arrested 27-year-old Corey Beckford in connection with Shawn's death. Following his arrest, Beckford was charged with First Degree Murder and Conspiracy for his alleged role in the homicide. He was subsequently booked into the Cumberland County Detention Center, where he was held without bond pending his court proceedings. The arrest marked a crucial step in the case, transitioning it from an active investigation to the litigation phase.
In the wake of their devastating loss, Shawn's family made arrangements to honor his memory. They scheduled a public visitation for the evening of Friday, October 9, 2026, at Cunningham & Sons Mortuary on Raeford Road in Fayetteville, allowing friends and community members to pay their last respects. A funeral service was held at the same location the following afternoon, on Saturday, October 10, providing a final opportunity for loved ones to gather, share memories, and say goodbye.
As of October 2026, the case against Corey Beckford was proceeding through the court system. Although an arrest had been made, the Fayetteville Police Department continued to encourage anyone with information regarding the investigation to share it. They asked the public to contact Detective J. Bergamine at (910) 705-2093 or to submit anonymous tips through the Fayetteville/Cumberland County Crime Stoppers program by calling (910) 483-TIPS (8477) or by using the "P3 Tips" mobile app.
