FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — A fatal shooting early Tuesday morning has left a Fayetteville woman dead and another city resident facing a first-degree murder charge. Fayetteville Police responded to the scene around 3:17 a.m. on April 9, after receiving a report of gunfire in the 2800 block of Gillespie Street.
When officers arrived, they discovered 27-year-old Janaha Smith suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency responders attempted to render aid, but Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have confirmed she was a resident of Fayetteville.
Shortly after arriving, police arrested 24-year-old Shyheem McCall, also of Fayetteville, at the scene. He has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with Smith’s death and is currently being held at the Cumberland County Detention Center without bond. McCall is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Wednesday afternoon.
Investigators have stated that McCall and Smith were acquainted and believe the shooting was a targeted incident rather than a random act of violence. Police have not yet released a motive for the killing but confirmed that the two individuals knew each other prior to the incident.
The Fayetteville Police Department’s Homicide Unit is actively investigating the case and working to determine the full sequence of events leading up to the shooting. Detectives are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has information about the case to come forward.
Those with tips can contact Detective A. Wolford directly at 910-705-2141. Anonymous tips are also welcomed and can be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 910-483-TIPS (8477), visiting fay-nccrimestoppers.org, or using the P3 Tips mobile app. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
This tragic event marks another act of gun violence in Fayetteville, prompting calls from community leaders for greater efforts to address local crime and support conflict resolution programs. As police continue their investigation, the city mourns the loss of Janaha Smith and awaits further details in this unfolding case.