Whiteville teen held without bond in three June killings across two counties

July 7, 2026 Coastal Carolina News Staff Columbus County, Crime & Public Safety, News, Regional News 0

18-year-old accused of homicides in Columbus and Halifax counties; investigators outline timeline of connected cases resulting in three deaths.

By Coastal Carolina News Staff Writer

Law enforcement agencies in Columbus, Halifax, and Wake counties report that an 18-year-old is now charged in connection with three separate June homicides spanning two counties. The suspect, identified as Eric Lamont Martin Jr., is held without bond following his July 4 arrest in Wake County.

Investigators report that the first killing occurred on June 11 in Whiteville, where officers found 29-year-old Raphael Gowans deceased on Berry Lane. Detectives later secured a first-degree murder warrant for Martin in connection with the shooting.

Authorities report that the suspect in the June 11 Whiteville homicide fled the area following the incident and was allegedly assisted by Isaiah Napoleon Cooper, 19, of Whiteville. Cooper has been charged with accessory after the fact to murder; he remains in custody under a secured bond.

On June 22, the Roanoke Rapids Police Department responded to a shooting that left two teenagers dead. The victims were identified as 15-year-old Mariah Thompson and 19-year-old Patrick Shane Faircloth. Both were found with fatal gunshot wounds.

Following the June 22 incident, Roanoke Rapids detectives issued two first-degree murder warrants for Martin, stating that evidence linked him to the shooting deaths of Thompson and Faircloth. Investigators further allege that Cooper was present at the scene and subsequently assisted Martin in fleeing the area.

A multi-agency search for Martin intensified in late June, with officers labeling him armed and dangerous. The manhunt concluded early on July 4 when Wake County deputies, assisted by U.S. Marshals, drone units, and a K-9 team, located and arrested Martin in Wake County on Anthony Drive near the city of Raleigh.

Investigations remain active, and additional charges are possible as agencies continue coordinating evidence between counties.

All individuals named in this report are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law.

Public disclosure note: This report is based solely on information released by law enforcement agencies. No outside news outlets were used in compiling this article.