Willie Junior Melvin, a 33-year-old African American man, was found dead at his Clinton, North Carolina, residence on May 19, 2018. The Sampson County Sheriff’s Office responded at 11:58 p.m. and discovered Melvin had been shot at least once. Initial accounts say an unknown suspect approached the front door and fired before fleeing on foot; the suspect was described as wearing a black hoodie and black pants. Reports differ on the exact number of times he was shot, and no motive has been established.

Investigators from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Clinton Police Department assisted Sampson County detectives. Melvin’s cousin, Lannis Melvin, was found dead of a drug overdose in a Clinton motel about a day and a half later; toxicology showed cocaine and fentanyl. Authorities said no substantial evidence has linked the two deaths. Interviews and leads have been pursued but no arrests have been announced and the case remains unsolved.

If anyone knew Willie Junior Melvin or has information about the night of May 19, 2018, please contact the investigating agencies.