On October 15, 2024, 21-year-old Arthur Knight Acosta and 32-year-old Jefferson Taylor Duggins were fatally shot while working at a job site in the 3600 block of Yarborough Road near Hope Mills, North Carolina. Both men were employees of a window cleaning and pressure washing company and were found deceased near their work truck by a co-worker who subsequently alerted law enforcement.
The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office identified 42-year-old Desmund Louis Moore of Fayetteville as the primary suspect in the double homicide. Moore had a history of violent crime, including previous charges of first-degree rape, first-degree kidnapping, and assault on a female.
Following the issuance of arrest warrants for Moore on two counts of first-degree murder and discharging a weapon into an occupied property, a high-speed pursuit ensued in Mount Airy, North Carolina. The chase concluded when Moore's vehicle collided head-on with another car, prompting him and two passengers to flee on foot. During the subsequent manhunt, Moore engaged in a shootout with law enforcement officers, resulting in the fatal shooting of a police K-9 named Draco. Officers returned fire, leading to Moore's death at the scene. The two passengers accompanying Moore were apprehended; one was charged with failing to remain at the scene of an accident.
The tragic deaths of Acosta and Duggins have deeply affected their families and the local community. Acosta's sister, Guinevere Myskey, described him as a hardworking and kind individual with a strong faith in Jesus Christ. In the wake of the tragedy, she organized a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses and support the family during this difficult time.
Duggins, a father of five, was remembered by his family as a caring and outgoing individual who was well-known in the biking and hockey communities. His wife, Crystal Duggins, expressed profound grief over the senseless loss of her husband, emphasizing his dedication to helping others and his love for his family.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the double homicide continues, with authorities seeking to understand the motive behind the killings. The community remains in mourning as they come to terms with the loss of two valued members.
