Two killed in shooting at Fayetteville apartment complex

Officers were called to building No. 28 of Cambridge Arms Apartments at about 5 a.m. after a passer-by noticed broken glass at the back door of a unit.

When authorities arrived, they found the victims Shaniqua Shanae Simmons, 18, and Jacoy Nathan Mahorn, 29.

Police haven't comment on a motive for the crimes and have only said that the shootings were not gang-related. They've released no other details, including information about a possible suspect or suspects.

The apartment complex has been a well-known trouble spot in recent years, prompting management – after a lawsuit last year by the city – to install an iron fence around part of the complex, mount security cameras and post signs encouraging residents to report suspicious activity.

Police Chief Harold Medlock told reporters Thursday afternoon that two armed security guards were also on duty, and he called on the complex's owners to increase lighting in the area and make additional security changes.

"Our frustration is a little bit high – that you have security there that, for whatever reason, missed this incident," Medlock said.

The shootings were the second there this year.

In January, five people were arrested in the shooting deaths of a 25-year-old man and 40-year-old woman who were also shot in an apartment on the property. In the past five years, there have been at least three other homicides at the 700-unit complex, which houses about 2,000 people.

That's in addition to numerous burglaries, armed robberies, assaults, domestic disputes, drug deals and reports of gunfire, according to authorities.

"There is no sense," neighbor Lisa Phillips said Thursday. "When the lights go out, it's not a good place to be."

The latest crimes have some residents planning to move out.

"I have to fear for my life every time I step out of my apartment. This is crazy," said Dana Douggins."I'm going to give (the apartment management) my keys and tell them sayonara."