Detectives are searching for an 18-year-old suspect in a shooting Thursday night on Berry Lane near Whiteville.
Eric Martin Jr. has been identified as the suspect in the killing of Raphael Gowans, according to the sheriff’s office. He is a black male with a medium complexion and short dreadlocks. Martin is considered armed and dangerous.
Deputies were called to 95 Berry Lane, near National Spinning, just after 8 p.m. Thursday. Gowans was found deceased at the home.
Deputies, detectives and personnel from multiple agencies searched the area on foot and using a drone, but Martin escaped.
“Do not approach this individual,” the sheriff’s office said in a press release. “If you see him, call 911 immediately.”
Anyone with information about Martin’s possible location of the homicide is asked to call 910.642.6551, or use the text-a-tip function via the CCSO app.
