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Fifth suspect in Fayetteville teen shooting death surrenders

Braxton, a student a 71st High School, was shot while attending a birthday party Sept. 27 on Randleman Street. Police said some kind of altercation took place between him and suspects.

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FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The fifth suspect in the September shooting death of 16-year-old Joseph Braxton has turned himself in, Fayetteville police said Friday.

Deonta Zaquan Graham, 17, of 6916 Kizer Drive in Fayetteville, is charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy. Police had obtained a warrant for his arrest Thursday and were encouraging him to surrender.

Braxton, a student a 71st High School, was shot while attending a birthday party Sept. 27 on Randleman Street. Police said some kind of altercation took place between Braxton and suspects, which led to the shooting.

The four other suspects are:

  • Rashaun Tyree Graham, 17, of 140 Eulon Loop Road, Raeford, charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder
  • D’ontrae Taivon Lloyd, 18, of 140 Eulon Loop Road, Raeford, charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder
  • Devontay Jquan Douglas, 19, of 1319 Worstead Drive, Fayettevlle, charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder
  • Jaquiel Markete Reuben, 18, of 6347 Rockford Drive, charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder

Police Chief Harold Medlock said no more arrests are expected in the case.

“We believe the suspects are involved in other acts of violence across our community,” he said.

Medlock said investigators did not get as much help from the public as they had hoped because other teens were fearful of the suspects.

“Frankly, a lot of the kids were scared,” he said. “They’re scared of these guys.”

The chief also credited work by forensics and detectives in developing suspects.

All the suspects will be tried as adults.

 

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