Described by those who knew him as a “very chill, laid back” young man, Nyaiir Martinez Wilkerson was a 17-year-old who left a lasting impression on friends and family. Born on July 27, 2009, Nyaiir was a student at E. E. Smith High School in his hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina. Though his life was brief, his obituary notes that he left behind cherished memories for all who had the privilege of knowing him, and that the laughter and support he offered would continue to resonate
with them.
The afternoon of Saturday, October 10, 2026, was tragically Nyaiir’s last. Around 3:15 p.m., the Fayetteville Police Department received reports of a shooting and dispatched officers to the intersection of Maloney Avenue and Lamon Street. When police and emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene, they found Nyaiir suffering from a gunshot wound. First responders administered lifesaving measures before rushing him to the nearby Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. Despite their efforts, Nyaiir was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The Fayetteville Police Department immediately launched a homicide investigation into the death of the teenager, who was a Black male. Detectives began processing the scene and canvassing the neighborhood for witnesses and evidence. The area, near downtown Fayetteville, was active on a weekend afternoon, and police hoped someone might have seen something that could lead to a suspect. Nyaiir’s death marked a grim milestone for the city; it was the fifth fatal shooting in Fayetteville in just 16 days, a fact that underscored a sudden spike in gun violence that autumn.
In the days following the shooting, police publicly identified Nyaiir as the victim and appealed to the community for help. They urged anyone with information about the shooting, no matter how insignificant it seemed, to come forward. Investigators released the name and contact number of the lead detective on the case, J. James, for direct tips. They also provided information for the Fayetteville/Cumberland County Crime Stoppers line, where tips could be submitted anonymously via phone, website, or a mobile app.
As the investigation continued without an immediate breakthrough, Nyaiir’s family prepared to say their final goodbyes. A viewing was held for friends and loved ones on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the L. E. Floyd Funeral Home in nearby Red Springs. The following day, a funeral service was held at Miracles Church in Fayetteville, where a community in mourning gathered to commemorate the life of a young man taken far too soon.
As of the latest reports in October 2026, the investigation into Nyaiir Martinez Wilkerson’s murder remains ongoing. No suspects have been publicly identified, and no arrests have been announced. The Fayetteville Police Department continues to ask for the public’s assistance. Anyone with information regarding the homicide is encouraged to contact Detective J. James at (910) 322-7446 or the Fayetteville/Cumberland County Crime Stoppers at (910) 483-TIPS (8477).
