Dealton Thaggard

Dealton Thaggard, a man remembered by loved ones as a loving father who was loyal, caring, and full of joy, was 46 years old when his life was cut short by gunfire. Known to some by his nickname, "8 MANN," he worked as a landscaper and mechanic in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Those who knew him said he was a good friend who would be missed by many. His life is now one of the stories that highlight the devastating impact of sudden violence on a community.

The night of September 3, 2024, began as a social gathering in the 3000 block of Sanderosa Road in the Eastover area of Fayetteville. Shortly before 10:30 p.m., the event descended into chaos. According to a frantic 911 caller, an individual entered the party and began shooting indiscriminately at the attendees. "This guy came in, he just started shooting," the caller told the dispatcher, adding that the gunman "started shooting at everybody in the party."

When deputies from the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office arrived at 10:27 p.m., they found a scene of disarray with shell casings scattered in the road. Dealton Thaggard was discovered suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical services transported him to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, but his injuries were too severe, and he was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The investigation into the homicide was launched immediately by the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office. In the initial days, detectives sought a person of interest, 25-year-old Cartier Savon Simpson of Fayetteville, for questioning in connection with the deadly shooting. However, the focus of the investigation soon shifted.

On October 18, 2024, homicide detectives with the sheriff's office made a significant development in the case. They served a juvenile with a secure custody order, charging the individual with first-degree murder for the death of Dealton Thaggard. Citing the suspect's age, authorities did not release the name, gender, or specific age of the person charged. Following the arrest, the juvenile was placed in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice.

The arrest of a minor for such a violent crime sent a shockwave through the Fayetteville community, prompting conversations about the rise of youth involvement in serious offenses. The seemingly random and senseless nature of the attack that claimed Dealton Thaggard's life left his family and friends grappling with an immense loss.

As of the latest reports in October 2024, the case against the juvenile suspect was proceeding within the juvenile justice system, the details of which remain confidential under state law. The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office has continued its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities have encouraged anyone with information regarding the case to contact the Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit at 910-321-6592 or Detective Sergeant J. Mcleod at 910-677-5548. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 910-483-8477 or online.