On December 6, 2024, at approximately 5:45 p.m., the Lee County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of multiple gunshot victims in the 1500 block of Poplar Springs Church Road near Sanford, North Carolina. Upon arrival, deputies discovered 19-year-old Erik Peredes Maravilla deceased at the scene from gunshot wounds. Another individual, whose identity has not been disclosed, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to a nearby trauma center for treatment.
The following day, authorities arrested 19-year-old Stephen Alexander Buruca-Romero of Sanford, charging him with murder in connection to Maravilla's death. He is currently held in the Lee County Jail without bond.
Subsequently, a second suspect, 20-year-old Giovanni Jose Garcia-Rivera, was apprehended and also charged with murder related to the same incident. Both individuals are awaiting trial as the investigation continues.
Erik Maravilla-Paredes, born on January 6, 2005, was a resident of Sanford. His funeral services were held on December 16, 2024, at St. Stephen Catholic Church, followed by burial in the church cemetery. A visitation took place on December 15, 2024, at Rogers-Pickard Funeral Home.
The community has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Maravilla, with many lighting candles and sharing memories in his honor. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and urge anyone with additional information to contact the Lee County Sheriff's Office.
