Man arrested in murder of 22-year-old Fayetteville woman

A man has been arrested in connection with the shooting death of 22-year-old Fayetteville woman Sierra Harper.

Posted 12:59 p.m. May 11, 2022 — Updated 1:20 p.m. May 11, 2022

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — A man has been arrested in connection with the shooting death of 22-year-old Fayetteville woman Sierra Harper.

Jaylin Sadiq McLaughlin Jr. was charged with first degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. McLaughlin Jr. was arrested Tuesday by the U.S. Marshals Service. He's currently being held in the Cumberland County Detention Center under no bond.

Police said the homicide was not random.

Friends and family gathered Sunday to honor and celebrate the life of 22-year-old Sierra Harper. Harper was shot and killed in Fayetteville on Saturday afternoon.

Harper's mother, Colleen Harper, said the shooting should never have happened.

Her family said Sierra Harper and her girlfriend got into an argument and things escalated and her girlfriend called for backup.

“The girlfriend called friends, and then the friends called the baby's father," said Colleen Harper. "Then he came and did what he did.”

Police said 22-year-old McLaughlin shot Harper multiple times.

Colleen Harper's mother has no words for her daughter's killer.

“No. Find Jesus," said Colleen Harper. "I’m a believer. I do believe in mercy, Right now I’m not mad, I’m not angry because it’s where it’s at now. My daughter, I truly believe, is with the Lord and in heaven.”

She said her daughter was loved by many and believes justice will be served one way or another.

“I believe in heaven and I believe I’m going and I’ll see her again," said Colleen Harper. "She’s with my mom and my dad and my sisters. That’s truly what's keeping me going."

Suggest A Correction