A Superior Court judge denied bond for Eric Lamont Martin Jr. this morning (July 6).
Martin faces a charge of first degree murder in Columbus County and another in Halifax County. He was arrested Saturday in Wake County during a joint effort by the U.S. Marshals, Wake County Sheriff’s Office and N.C. Dept. of Corrections. Martin was booked into the Columbus County Detention Center Sunday just before 8 p.m.
Martin, 18, is alleged to have shot and killed Raphael Gowans at a home on Berry Lane in the Brunswick community on June 11. He escaped a massive local manhunt and fled to Roanoke Rapids, allegedly with the assistance of Isaiah Cooper, also 18, according to warrants. Martin’s address is listed as Standard Drive, Fayetteville on court records.
Roanoke Rapids Police said that on June 22, Cooper drove Patrick Faircloth and Mariah Thompson to the city to see Martin. Faircloth, 19, and Thompson, 16, were allegedly shot to death during the early morning hours. An RRPD officer in the area heard the gunshots and investigated. He spotted Cooper’s car and attempted a traffic stop, RRPD said in a press release. Cooper was detained after a short chase and released after questioning. He was later charged with accessory after the fact in all three murders. Cooper is being held under $100,000 secured bond.
Thompson may have witnessed the Gowans killing, according to warrants and court officials. Martin has not been charged in Faircloth’s death.
The four attended Whiteville High School together.
Bond was refused for Martin this morning in a Columbus County Courtroom. ADA Heather Payne Brittain represented the state at the hearing. Martin asked for and received a court appointed attorney. He is scheduled to appear in a Halifax County courtroom later this week for a bond hearing.
Court records show Martin was arrested in Johnston County on May 1 on felony drug charges. He was charged with felony possession of marijuana, possession with intent to sell and deliver the drug, and maintaining a vehicle for drug activities. Martin was jailed after a traffic stop by Benson Police, and was out on bond at the time of the murders. That case is still pending.
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