Update: Murder Suspect Captured in Wake County
The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office reports that Eric Martin Jr. was taken into custody by the Wake County Sheriff’s Office on the morning of July 4, 2026
CCSO expressed appreciation to all assisting agencies involved in the multi‑county effort to locate and apprehend Martin.
“Everyone is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. The information contained in this post is not intended to be an expression of opinion regarding guilt.” — Columbus County Sheriff’s Office
Investigators say the individuals involved in both cases were acquainted; one suspect remains at large and armed as charges expand across jurisdictions.
July 2, 2026
COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC — Investigators are outlining new connections among several individuals involved in two fatal shootings spanning Columbus County and Roanoke Rapids, as one suspect remains at large and another faces accessory charges in both cases.
Authorities say Eric Lamont Martin Jr., 18, is wanted in two homicides. The first occurred on June 11, when Raphael Antonio Gowans, 27, was fatally shot in Columbus County. The second happened on June 22 in Roanoke Rapids, where Patrick Shane Faircloth, 19, and Mariaiah Thompson, 15, both of Columbus County, were shot and killed. Martin remains at large, and investigators warn he is armed and dangerous.
Isaiah Napoleon Cooper, 19, is now charged in both homicide cases.
In Roanoke Rapids, he faces two counts of accessory after the fact and one count of obstruction of justice. He also faces an accessory charge in the Columbus County case involving Gowans. Cooper was arrested in Columbus County and remains in custody.
Investigators say the individuals involved in both cases were acquainted, adding complexity to an already multi‑jurisdictional investigation.
Roanoke Rapids Police Chief Bobby Wiggins said the case has required extensive coordination among agencies.
“The complexity of this investigation has required a substantial number of resources, time, and coordination,” Wiggins said. “Investigators continue to pursue leads related to this case.”
Agencies involved include the Roanoke Rapids Police Department, Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, Halifax Central Communications, and additional assisting partners.
Authorities urge anyone with information on Martin’s whereabouts to contact: Roanoke Rapids Police Department 252.533.2810, Halifax Central Communications 252.583.4444, Halifax County CrimeStoppers 252.583.4444 or the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office 910.642.6551
This is a developing story.
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