Christian Peterson was an 18-year-old White man remembered for his contagious smile and free-spirited nature. A former quarterback for his recreational and middle school football teams, Christian was full of life and loved nature completely. He was born and raised in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and his recent hobbies included working and fixing up his car.
His family said his smile could light up a room.
On the evening of January 3, 2024, Christian’s life was cut short in the parking lot of the 53 Mini Mart and Tobacco Shop on Burgaw Highway in Jacksonville. The Onslow County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene and found Christian deceased in the front seat of a vehicle. An autopsy later revealed he had been struck by a single bullet that went through his right arm and into his chest. A second victim, 19-year-old Kalib Mekhi Bostick, was found deceased in the parking lot from gunshot wounds to his head, chest, and abdomen. A third person, a juvenile, was also shot but survived; he was transported to a naval hospital in stable condition.
Investigators determined that the shooting stemmed from a drug deal involving marijuana that escalated into a robbery. Multiple handguns were recovered from the scene, one of which had been reported stolen. In the days following the shooting, dozens of family members, friends, and strangers gathered at the mini-mart for a candlelight vigil, sharing memories and releasing balloons and lanterns to honor Christian’s life.
Authorities made two arrests in connection with the double homicide. Wali Shamiere Johnson, 20, was taken into custody and charged with an open count of murder, robbery with firearms, and conspiring to commit robbery. He was incarcerated at the Onslow County Detention Center under no bond. A 17-year-old male was also arrested and faced similar charges for murder, robbery with a firearm, and conspiracy to commit robbery; his name was not released because of his age.
As of February 2025, Wali Johnson remained in custody awaiting trial. His defense attorney had recently filed a motion requesting a probable cause hearing in the case.
