Man charged with first-degree murder in January shooting of 24-year-old Fort Bragg soldier

Smith, 24, was a 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) soldier based out of Fort Bragg.

On Jan. 18, Hoke County deputies found Smith unresponsive on Hammock Lane. He died at the scene despite life-saving efforts by EMS.

Brandon Allen Amos-Dixon, of Harnett County, was arrested for a separate incident in Virginia on Jan. 19 after his fiancee told authorities he shot at her and her child in Spring Lake. All three adults involved are soldiers at Fort Bragg. In that shooting, Amos-Dixon was charged with one felony count of being a fugitive from justice, one felony count of assault on a police officer, one felony count of eluding police, and one count of reckless driving.

Smith was respected among his colleagues and superiors and was noted for his leadership and comradery. He joined the Army in 2016 and served in South Korea. He arrived at Fort Bragg in 2020.

“Jimmy was a tremendous teammate and paratrooper,” said Col. John D. Bishop, commander of 3rd Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne). “He was an outstanding culinary specialist and an absolute asset to 3rd Group. More importantly, he was a great human being. Like all members of 3rd Group, Jimmy and his family will always be part of the ‘The Tribe.’ Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with his loved ones, friends, and teammates through this incredibly difficult time.”

“Jimmy was more than just an NCO, he was a mentor, a shoulder to cry on, a comedian at times, but most of all a great friend,” said Spc. Roenice Todd, a Group Support Battalion member. “It was truly an honor to be able to learn from him.”

The circumstances of the shooting are still under investigation. Investigators said they have a person of interest. If you have any information that could help the investigation, please call Detective A. Spence at (910) 875-5111.