On May 21, 2023, at about 12:10 a.m., officers with the Lumberton Police Department found 43-year-old Benny Smith Jr. lying deceased in the roadway on Washington Street in Lumberton, North Carolina, after he had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. The death was classified immediately as a homicide and local authorities opened an active investigation.

No arrests have been announced and no suspects have been publicly identified. The Lumberton Police Department is asking anyone with information to contact Detective Ed Strickland at 910-671-3845. Smith’s family and friends remain without closure and the community has voiced concern over the lack of progress in the case.

If anyone saw activity on Washington Street around 12:10 a.m. on May 21 or has information that could help the investigation, please contact Detective Ed Strickland at the number above.