Joseph Shane Bowling was 23 when he was fatally shot on November 14, 2019, at the Scotchman gas station on N.C. Highway 210 in Benson, North Carolina. He had been at the store because his mother worked the night shift and he often accompanied her; reports say he stood in front of her during an armed robbery as the suspects demanded money and took their phones. One of the suspects opened fire, killing Bowling as he tried to protect his mother.

The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office identified multiple suspects. Manuel Jamie Patterson, 19, was arrested in Fayetteville and charged in connection with the Scotchman robbery and murder, facing murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and felony conspiracy charges. Bobby Gene McLean Jr., also 19, surrendered and was charged with murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, felony conspiracy, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Authorities say they are searching for a third suspect, John Wesley Pettiway III, 21, and believe the suspects are connected to other area robberies.

Family and friends remember Bowling as having a huge heart and being willing to help others. The gas station paid for his funeral and the family was raising money for remaining expenses. Does anyone have information about that night or the suspects that could help the investigation?