On May 12, 2024, deputies responded to a reported homicide in the 7800 block of Eversfield Road in Stokesdale, North Carolina. They found 38-year-old Troy Scott Surface suffering from multiple gunshot wounds; emergency medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.

The next day authorities arrested 18-year-old John Austin Cain in Rockingham County and charged him with first-degree murder. Court filings say Surface had been in a vehicle with Cain, Cain’s mother, and Cain’s girlfriend prior to the shooting. Reports allege Surface, described as under the influence of methamphetamine and heroin, became aggressive and assaulted the two women. Cain told the court Surface threatened to kill him and the women and that he shot Surface about six times, asserting self-defense.

Surface had a prior arrest on April 3, 2023, in Guilford County for misdemeanor assault on a female. A memorial service for Surface was held May 26, 2024, at Simplicity Chapel in Asheboro. If anyone witnessed the incident or knew Surface’s movements that evening, please come forward with information.