James Harris, an 88-year-old African American man, was found dead in his home in Enfield, North Carolina, on August 21, 2017. He and three other elderly people—his 72-year-old wife Janice Harris and their friends, 76-year-old James Whitley and 67-year-old Peggy Whitley—were discovered shot to death while playing cards at the Harris residence.

Investigators reported signs of forced entry and that items of value were missing, initially suggesting a robbery motive. Authorities also noted that Harris operated a federally licensed firearm business from his home and that his work as a gunsmith raised questions about whether the killings might have been gang-related. The scene showed little sign of struggle despite the brutal nature of the attack.

On October 26, 2017, Matthew Lewis Simms, 25, was charged with four counts of murder in connection with the deaths. If anyone knew the victims, their routines, or saw suspicious activity near the Harris home before August 21, 2017, please come forward with information.