Nineteen-year-old Hamilton Ham Woods Jr. was fatally shot on January 29, 2023, on Kerigon Lane in Youngsville, North Carolina after a confrontation among acquaintances. Authorities say the encounter was not random and grew out of a planned fight between two women known to those present. Two teenagers, 18-year-old Gavin Miller and 19-year-old Dillon Piper, were arrested and charged with second-degree murder; both were held on $5 million bonds at the Franklin County Detention Center and remained in custody after bond reduction requests were denied.

Prosecutors have signaled intent to seek upgraded first-degree charges, while Miller’s attorney has argued Miller acted in self-defense, claiming he fired because he feared for his and others’ safety. The family has called for a special prosecutor and an SBI review over concerns about local ties and social media posts suggesting affiliations with hate groups. Investigations were described as active and authorities said further arrests were possible. Anyone with information about the case or who knew Hamilton is asked to come forward.