Mercedes Rosa Sterling, 41, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, was fatally shot inside her Ryan Street home on January 10, 2022, at about 3:15 p.m. Police described the shooting as the result of a domestic disturbance; Sterling, who was Hispanic, was found dead at the scene when officers arrived. Three children were in the house at the time but were not injured.

The Fayetteville Police Department identified and arrested 49-year-old Roland Dewayne Smith Jr., who also lived at the residence. Smith was charged with first-degree murder and held without bond at the Cumberland County Detention Center while the homicide unit continued its investigation.

Anyone who may have information about this homicide is asked to contact Detective J. Arrington or Crimestoppers.