Andrew Thomas Brown, known affectionately as “Drew” to his loved ones, was a man with a lion's heart and a smile as brilliant as the sun. Born in Parkton, North Carolina, on August 12, 1992, he was the youngest child of Tammie and Thomas Brown. From a young age, Drew demonstrated a natural athleticism and a particular passion for football, becoming a standout running back at both South View and Trinity high schools.
His family remembers him as their "gentle giant" and protector, a man who loved his family immensely and wasn't afraid to show it.
Drew, a 34-year-old father, found joy in the outdoors, which led him to work in landscaping. His hard work and thoroughness were evident in every task he undertook. He was a devoted father and uncle who cherished spending hours playing with the children in his family, especially his son, Ezra, and his daughter, ZyAnn Bethel. Remembered as being rich in kindness, Drew would give to anyone in need. His family recalls that while he may not have been perfect, he loved perfectly, and his warm, loving nature left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
The evening of Wednesday, September 30, 2026, brought a sudden and tragic end to Drew’s life. At approximately 8:27 p.m., emergency personnel responded to a medical call on the 6500 block of Amanda Circle in Fayetteville. They arrived to find Drew lying in the roadway, suffering from a serious gunshot wound. He was rushed to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, but his injuries were too severe, and he was pronounced dead. His death was one of four homicides that occurred in Fayetteville over an eight-day span, though investigators have stated there is no evidence connecting the cases.
The Fayetteville Police Department's Homicide Unit immediately launched an investigation into the shooting. Detectives responded to the scene on Amanda Circle, a residential street near Strickland Bridge Road, to gather evidence and speak with potential witnesses. In the days following the shooting, police identified Andrew Brown as the victim and appealed to the public for assistance. They have stated that the shooting did not appear to be a random act of violence.
The investigation into Andrew Thomas Brown's murder remains active and ongoing. As of October 2026, no arrests have been announced. Detectives are urging anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward. The lead investigator is Detective D. Jackson, who can be reached at (910) 751-9363. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to the Fayetteville / Cumberland County Crime Stoppers program by calling (910) 483-TIPS (8477).
In the wake of his death, Drew's family was left not only with overwhelming grief but also with the financial burden of a funeral. The community rallied around them, and a GoFundMe was established to help with expenses and provide support for his children as the family navigated their profound loss. Services to celebrate Drew's life were held in early October, with a visitation at Reeves Funeral Home in Hope Mills, followed by a funeral at Christ Worship Church in Parkton and burial at Rockfish Memorial Park in Fayetteville, where family and friends gathered to say their final goodbyes to a man who was loved so deeply.
