On May 31, 2023, at approximately 3:23 a.m., a tragic shooting occurred in the 700 block of Rembrandt Drive in Fayetteville, North Carolina, resulting in the deaths of 18-year-old Aljarez Elliott and 24-year-old Alzy Diamond. Two other men were injured during the incident; one sustained critical injuries, while the other suffered non-life-threatening wounds.
The events leading up to the shooting involved an argument over the phone between the victims and two other individuals, identified as 21-year-olds Tyrone Washington and Treshaun Geddie, both from Fayetteville. Following the dispute, Washington and Geddie arrived at the residence on Rembrandt Drive, where an altercation ensued, culminating in gunfire that led to the fatalities and injuries.
In the aftermath of the incident, both Washington and Geddie were arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, felony conspiracy, and discharging a weapon into an occupied dwelling. They were subsequently held in the Cumberland County jail without bail.
The community was deeply affected by the loss, particularly noting that Elliott was set to graduate from Cape Fear High School in June 2023 and had aspirations of joining the military. Diamond was a young father, leaving behind a 1-year-old daughter. Family members expressed profound grief over the sudden and violent loss of their loved ones.
This incident contributed to a concerning trend of gun violence in Fayetteville, marking the 21st and 22nd homicides in the city for the year 2023. Local authorities and community leaders have emphasized the need for addressing the escalation of such violence, particularly among young individuals resorting to firearms to settle disputes.
