Christian Peterson was an 18-year-old White man from Jacksonville, North Carolina, remembered for his contagious smile, free-spirited nature, and a love of nature and working on his car. A former recreational and middle school quarterback, Christian was described by family as someone whose smile could light up a room.

On the evening of January 3, 2024, Christian was found deceased in the front seat of a vehicle in the parking lot of the 53 Mini Mart and Tobacco Shop on Burgaw Highway in Jacksonville. An autopsy showed a single bullet passed through his right arm into his chest. Two other people were shot at the scene: 19-year-old Kalib Mekhi Bostick was found dead in the parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds, and a juvenile was wounded and survived after being taken to a naval hospital.

Investigators say the shooting arose from a drug deal involving marijuana that escalated into a robbery. Multiple handguns were recovered at the scene, including one reported stolen. Two arrests were announced: 20-year-old Wali Shamiere Johnson and a 17-year-old male; the juvenile faces charges but his name was not released because of his age.

Did anyone who knew Christian remember seeing him at the mini-mart that evening or have information about the parties involved?