On February 8, 2023, at approximately 4:50 p.m., Clinton Police officers responded to a report of a gunshot victim at 720 Sampson Homes in Clinton, North Carolina. Upon arrival, they found 31-year-old Fulton "Bear" Oates lying unresponsive behind the residence, having suffered a fatal gunshot wound. Emergency Medical Services personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.
Initial investigations suggested that Oates had been conversing with one or more individuals behind the residence when an altercation ensued, leading to the shooting. Authorities quickly determined that this was a targeted attack rather than a random act of violence. Recognizing the potential presence of witnesses, the Clinton Police Department urged anyone with information to come forward to aid in the investigation.
In an effort to gather more information, the City of Clinton announced a $10,000 reward on February 27, 2023, for details leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Oates's death. This initiative aimed to encourage community members to share any pertinent information they might have.
The investigative efforts bore fruit when, on April 3, 2023, Clinton Police arrested 25-year-old Tamus Emmanuel McNeil in connection with the murder. McNeil was charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon. At the time of his arrest, McNeil was placed in the Sampson County Detention Center without the possibility of bond. Notably, just a month prior to the shooting, McNeil had been convicted of possession of a firearm by a felon and was serving a suspended sentence with two years of probation.
Clinton Police Chief Anthony Davis expressed gratitude towards the detectives and community members who contributed to the investigation, emphasizing the importance of community partnership in resolving such cases. Despite the arrest, authorities indicated that the investigation remained active, suggesting the possibility of further developments as they continued to seek comprehensive justice for Oates.
