On March 26, 2023, at about 6:40 p.m., Fayetteville police responded to a shooting in the 200 block of Gertrude Street. Three people were found with gunshot wounds and taken to Cape Fear Valley Hospital; one of them, 40-year-old Clarence Junior Smith, died of his injuries. The department described the incident as isolated and detained an individual at the scene, but no further arrests or suspect identities have been released.

Clarence Junior Smith, born July 7, 1982, in Dunn, North Carolina, was an entrepreneur, car dealer, and real estate investor. He is survived by his parents Janice Jones and Clarence Williams; siblings Latasha, Jaquisha, and Terrance Smith; children Diamond Banwo, Asiaha Smith Myles, Kiamoira Smith, and Kyamiah Smith; step-children Kimora Cabrera, Antonio Cook, Deangela Mearite, and Valentino Pugh Johnson; godchildren Nigeria Bethune, Malik Johnson, and Ayana Johnson; and granddaughter Bre’ Asia Gilliesie.

Detective A. Wolford is leading the investigation and asked anyone with information to contact police.