On October 6, 2023, at approximately 1:00 a.m., Winston-Salem Police Department officers responded to a reported armed robbery at the Speedway gas station located at 2602 South Hawthorne Road. Upon arrival, they interviewed the caller, who revealed that the robbery had occurred earlier at a residence in the 3600 block of Heathrow Drive.
Officers proceeded to the specified address on Heathrow Drive, where they discovered 40-year-old Steven Wayne Weier deceased from an apparent gunshot
wound. Investigations revealed that Weier, along with 44-year-old Jeffrey Howard Smith, had entered the home and attempted to rob the occupants at gunpoint. In an act of self-defense, one of the residents shot Weier, resulting in his death.
Following the incident, Smith was arrested and charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon. He was held on a $7,500 secured bond. This case marked the 37th homicide in Winston-Salem for the year 2023, reflecting an increase from 26 homicides during the same period in 2022.
Born on January 5, 1983, in Monroe, Michigan, Steven Weier was a resident of Greensboro, North Carolina, at the time of his death. He was known for his career in sheetrock and residential construction, admired for his craftsmanship and dedication to his work. Steven was also cherished for his vibrant personality, love for family, and unique sense of humor.
The incident has prompted discussions within the community about the risks associated with criminal activities and the legal implications of self-defense. Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attempted robbery and subsequent shooting, urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
