On March 21, 2023, at approximately 2:50 p.m., deputies and investigators responded to a shooting incident in the 90 block of Affinity Road in Fairmont, North Carolina. Upon arrival, they discovered 67-year-old Larry B. Adams deceased inside his residence, the victim of an apparent drive-by shooting.
The investigation led authorities to Lake View, South Carolina, where they sought to interview individuals potentially connected to the crime.
Upon approaching a residence on Hayestown Road, a male suspect emerged and fired upon the officers as they exited their vehicles. The officers retreated, and a standoff ensued, lasting several hours. A South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) helicopter eventually located the suspect hiding in a wooded area behind the home, leading to his arrest.
The arrested individuals were identified as 31-year-old Jessie A. Aceves and 37-year-old Ashley N. Hayes, both of Lake View. Aceves was charged with first-degree murder, felony conspiracy, four counts of discharging a weapon into an occupied dwelling, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and misdemeanor child abuse. Hayes faced charges including first-degree murder, felony conspiracy, four counts of discharging a weapon into an occupied dwelling, assault in the presence of a minor, and misdemeanor child abuse. Both suspects were held without bond, with Aceves awaiting extradition to Robeson County after facing additional charges in Dillon County and Texas.
Sheriff Burnis Wilkins expressed concern over Aceves' criminal history, noting his status as a four-time convicted felon. Wilkins highlighted the danger posed to law enforcement during the apprehension and lamented the tragic loss of an innocent life, emphasizing the need for stricter measures to prevent repeat offenders from remaining at large.
