HOPE MILLS, N.C. — Authorities in Hope Mills have arrested and charged two individuals in connection with the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Khamari Harrison, a case that has left the community grieving and investigators continuing to search for answers. The deadly incident occurred over the weekend and has since developed into a complex criminal investigation.
According to Hope Mills police, officers were dispatched to the Fox Ridge Road area around 12:20 a.m. Saturday after reports of gunfire. When first responders arrived at the scene, they found Khamari Harrison suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency crews transported the teenager to a nearby hospital, where she later died from her injuries despite medical efforts to save her life.
In the days following the shooting, investigators worked to identify those responsible. On Wednesday, police announced charges against 20-year-old Julius Smith of Hope Mills. Smith has been charged with first-degree murder along with multiple firearm-related offenses in connection with the death of the teenager, according to Police Chief Dollinger.
Authorities said Smith was initially taken into custody on Monday for unrelated charges, but further investigation led detectives to formally link him to the fatal shooting. Police have not released additional details about what led up to the incident, and the motive remains under active investigation as detectives continue to gather evidence.
Investigators also charged 37-year-old Brittany Grant, identified as Smith’s aunt, in connection with the case. Police allege that Grant assisted Smith in leaving the scene after the shooting occurred. She later turned herself in after a warrant was issued and is now facing a charge of accessory after the fact. Grant is currently being held at the Cumberland County Detention Center.
Authorities say the investigation has involved extensive work, including the review of surveillance footage and the use of license plate reader technology, which helped move the case forward. Officials also confirmed that some weapons have been recovered, though it has not yet been determined if any were used in the shooting. As the case continues, police are urging anyone with additional information to contact Detective Labretta McBryde, while the Hope Mills community mourns the loss of a young life cut tragically short.