Two Duplin County men have been arrested and charged in connection with a May 19 shooting into an occupied home on Cornwallis Road in Turkey as investigators continue pursuing a broader investigation into a series of shootings they believe are connected across Duplin and Sampson counties.
Robert Torres Faison Jr., of Magnolia, and Nolan Tyrell Smith, of 917 W. Best Road, Kenansville, have each been charged with shooting into an occupied dwelling following an extensive investigation led by the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division in partnership with the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
While Faison and Smith are charged only with the Cornwallis Road incident and have not been tied to other parts of the probe, investigators believe all the shootings that have occurred in the two counties since May have some connection.
According to Sampson Chief Deputy Marcus Smith, investigation into the incidents has led officers to believe they stem from a series of retaliatory shootings in Duplin County that extended into Sampson County, including the May 20 shooting on Darion Lane that claimed the life of Turkey resident Annie Faison. An investigation into Faison’s death is still ongoing.
Since her death, there have been other shootings in both counties, including one on Faison Highway two weeks ago that injured three people.
Through witness interviews, physical evidence and other investigative efforts, authorities developed probable cause to execute multiple search warrants as investigators worked to identify those responsible, according to a press release The Sampson Independent had to obtain since Duplin authorities did not share it with the local newspaper.
On May 21, investigators with the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, Wallace Police Department, Beulaville Police Department and the SBI executed residential search warrants in the Kenansville and Beulaville areas, seizing multiple firearms and quantities of ammunition.
On May 29, the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, Beulaville Police Department, SBI and ATF assisted the Warsaw Police Department in executing two residential search warrants in Warsaw. Investigators recovered additional firearms and ammunition believed to be connected to the ongoing investigation.
On June 12, investigators with the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, Wallace Police Department, SBI and ATF executed a search warrant in the Wallace area. During the search, authorities recovered a firearm, ammunition, magazines, cell phones and other electronic devices.
On June 29, investigators with the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant at 318 N. Monk St. in Magnolia, where multiple firearms and electronic devices were seized.As a result of that search, Faison was arrested without incident and charged with shooting into an occupied dwelling in connection with the Cornwallis Road shooting. He received a $100,000 secured bond.
Later that same day, investigators executed a second search warrant at 139 Shaw Road in Wallace, where they seized a 2019 Dodge Charger registered to Faison. The vehicle was transported to the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office for forensic examination.
On July 4, deputies with the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop involving Smith after determining he had an outstanding Sampson County warrant charging him with shooting into an occupied dwelling in connection with the Cornwallis Road case. Smith was arrested without incident and placed under a $75,000 secured bond. Deputies also seized a firearm and multiple electronic devices believed to be relevant to the investigation.
Authorities said the investigation has involved an extensive partnership among numerous local, state and federal agencies, including the Sampson and Duplin county sheriff’s offices, police departments in Warsaw, Wallace, Beulaville, Magnolia, Kenansville, Rose Hill and Clinton, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, SBI and ATF.
Investigators say they have identified numerous suspects, including some juveniles, and continue analyzing evidence, conducting interviews and pursuing additional leads. Officials expect additional arrests and charges as the investigation progresses.
A $5,000 reward remains available for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
“The reward is still available to the public and we strongly urge anyone with information to please come forward,” Chief Deputy Smith said. “Somebody knows something. We want to give that family peace and the justice they deserve.”
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division or their local law enforcement agency. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers.