Investigation Continues into Multiple Regional Shooting Incidents
By Coastal Carolina News Staff Writer
WHITEVILLE, NC — Isaiah Napoleon Cooper, 19, of Whiteville, was arrested on June 30 and charged as an accessory after the fact of murder. Documents indicate this charge is in connection with the June 11 fatal shooting of Raphael Antonio Gowans, 27, in the town of Brunswick, located in Columbus County. Cooper is currently being held on a secured bond.
Court filings allege that Cooper assisted Eric Lamont Martin Jr., 18, in fleeing to Roanoke Rapids following the homicide of Mr. Gowans.
Separately, on June 22, 15-year-old Mariah Thompson and 20-year-old Patrick Shane Faircloth were shot and killed in Roanoke Rapids, approximately three hours by vehicle from Whiteville. Cooper was present and driving the vehicle involved in that incident; at that time he was interviewed and released by the Roanoke Rapids Police Department.
Both investigations remain ongoing.
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