On August 22, 2023, 17-year-old James Devon Snipes was reported missing from his home on Olivia Road in Lee County, North Carolina. His mother also reported her Hyundai Tucson stolen. The following day, Sanford police and Lee County Sheriff's deputies located the stolen vehicle near North Horner Boulevard. Upon attempting to stop the vehicle, the driver fled, leading to a pursuit that ended when the Tucson collided with another vehicle at the intersection of Broadway Road and Cox Mill Road,
causing it to overturn. The driver exited through the sunroof and attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended, along with two passengers—a 19-year-old and two juveniles. Two firearms were recovered from the vehicle, one of which was reported stolen from Harnett County.
Despite these developments, Snipes remained unaccounted for. On August 24, investigators from the Harnett County Sheriff's Office, acting on information obtained during their investigation, searched a wooded area near Buffalo Lakes Road and Cooks Lane in Harnett County. There, they discovered Snipes' body. The community mourned the loss of a young man remembered for his love of sports and music, and his ability to uplift those around him.
On August 31, the Harnett County Sheriff's Office announced that juvenile petitions had been filed against two 17-year-olds in connection with Snipes' death. Each was charged with first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and felony conspiracy. Both suspects were detained in a juvenile detention facility. Authorities have not publicly disclosed whether these individuals were among those apprehended in the stolen vehicle or their specific motives. The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement seeks to piece together the events leading to this tragic incident.
