On October 15, 2024, 32-year-old Jefferson Taylor Duggins and 21-year-old Arthur Knight Acosta, both from Fayetteville, North Carolina, were fatally shot near a residence on Yarborough Road in Hope Mills. The two men, employed by a window cleaning and pressure washing company, were discovered deceased at their job site 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 faced charges including two counts of first-degree murder and discharging a weapon into an occupied property. Authorities initiated a search for Moore, who was believed to be operating a white 2020 Volkswagen Passat with North Carolina license plate KMY-5114.
On October 16, 2024, law enforcement officers located Moore in Surry County, North Carolina. A pursuit ensued, culminating in a confrontation during which Moore fired upon officers, fatally wounding a police K-9 named Draco. In response, officers returned fire, resulting in Moore's death at the scene. Additionally, two individuals associated with Moore were apprehended during the incident. One suspect, 26-year-old Robert Matthew Gelsomino, was detained by the Mount Airy Police Department and subsequently transferred to the custody of the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office. Another individual, identified as Love Anna Smith, was arrested and charged with failing to remain at the scene of an accident.
The tragic deaths of Duggins and Acosta have profoundly impacted their families and the local community. Duggins, remembered as a hardworking and caring father of five, was known for his dedication to his family and his involvement in the biking and hockey communities. His family has expressed deep sorrow over the senseless loss and is committed to preserving his memory.
As of now, the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the double homicide remains ongoing. Authorities have not disclosed a potential motive for the shootings or the nature of the relationship, if any, between Moore and the victims. The community continues to mourn the loss of Duggins and Acosta as they await further developments in the case.
