Julius Randolph Juice Sampson Jr., 32, was shot and killed on August 6, 2019, outside BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The encounter began with an argument inside the restaurant between Sampson and 22-year-old Robert Granato that continued into the parking lot, where Granato, reportedly intoxicated and belligerent, shot Sampson. Witnesses said Sampson was defending a waitress who was being harassed by Granato. Investigators later concluded the shooting was random and not racially motivated.

Sampson was a barber, newlywed and father of three who gave free haircuts to at-risk children and coached little league football. The case drew intense public attention, with the hashtag #JusticeForJuice circulating widely, and investigators noted Granato had posted disturbing social media content, including images of guns and white supremacist symbols. Granato was charged with first-degree murder and carrying a concealed gun after or while consuming alcohol; a jury later convicted him of second-degree murder and carrying a concealed weapon after consuming alcohol, and he received a prison sentence of 16 to 20 years.

If anyone who knew Julius or witnessed the events that night has additional information, please come forward.