Michael Shane Beale, 48, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, was shot and killed on June 26, 2019 during a robbery at his home. The attackers had arranged the meeting under the pretense of buying drugs. When Beale answered the door he saw a gun, tried to barricade the door with his body and reached for his own weapon. During the struggle Beale’s gun discharged; the visitor, identified as 43-year-old Jonathan Smith, then fired multiple times through the door, killing Beale.

Smith was arrested and charged with robbery with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm into occupied property. He pleaded guilty to those charges in exchange for dismissal of a first-degree murder charge and was sentenced to up to 16 years, with credit for time served awaiting trial. Marcus Guion, 30, described as Smith’s co-conspirator, was shot and killed about a week after Smith’s arrest; that killing remains under investigation and the shooter has not been identified.

Beale is remembered by family and friends for his love of football and music and for his big heart. If anyone knew Michael or has information about the robbery or Guion’s subsequent death, please come forward.