On February 19, 2024, deputies responded to reports of gunfire and a residential fire in the 1900 block of Evans Dairy Road near Fayetteville, North Carolina. At the scene two men had been shot. Sixty-nine-year-old Richard Carr Yarborough was pronounced dead; a second victim, David Matthews, was transported with life-threatening injuries. The suspect, 45-year-old Matias Matthew Bagby, fled but was caught after a brief foot pursuit near Interstate 95 and charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, two counts of shooting into an occupied dwelling, and breaking and entering with intent to terrorize. He is being held without bail.

Investigators say Bagby was a tenant facing eviction and had prior charges including assault and communicating threats. Authorities allege Bagby broke into Matthews’ home, shot him multiple times, then shot Yarborough when Yarborough attempted to help. The residential fire that destroyed Bagby’s home is believed connected to the shootings, though the exact sequence remains under investigation.

Yarborough was a retired Duke Energy employee with 47 years of service, described as a handyman who loved helping others. He is survived by his wife, Pam Nickens Yarborough, their son Aaorn Yarborough, and granddaughter Skyler Yarborough; the couple would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on March 22, 2024. If anyone has information that could help investigators, contact the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.