On November 2, 2024, Victor Murray, 43, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was fatally shot in the parking lot of a Walmart in Biscoe, North Carolina. The incident occurred shortly before 5 p.m., when first responders found Murray with multiple gunshot wounds; he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Witnesses reported hearing five to seven gunshots and observed a black Ford Fusion leaving the scene toward Troy. A "Be On The Lookout" alert was issued for the vehicle, which was subsequently spotted by a North Carolina State Highway Patrol trooper. The trooper conducted a traffic stop and apprehended the suspect without incident.
The alleged shooter was identified as 23-year-old Kevin Ratliff-Lofton of Troy, North Carolina, originally from Philadelphia. Investigations revealed that earlier that day, the Troy Police Department had responded to a child custody dispute at Ratliff-Lofton's residence. The child's mother had left with the child, accompanied by her father, Victor Murray, and another family member. It appears that Ratliff-Lofton followed Murray to the Walmart, where the shooting occurred.
Ratliff-Lofton was charged with first-degree murder and is being held without bond at the Montgomery County Detention Center. His initial court appearance was scheduled for November 4, 2024. Authorities have confirmed that Ratliff-Lofton and Murray were known to each other, suggesting a personal connection underlying the tragic event.
The Biscoe Police Department continues to investigate the case and has urged anyone with additional information to contact Detective A. Comer at 910-428-2978.
