Police charge man with death of Fayetteville pedestrian

Stoney Gene Riley, 39, was charged with involuntary manslaughter for the Monday death of Justin Thomas Atkins. Riley was taken into custody for unrelated, unserved warrants, and he was given a $25,000 secured bond.

Police said Justin Thomas Atkins, 31, was walking in the 5200 block of Patton Street when a vehicle pulled up beside him, and someone inside asked if he was selling drugs. Atkins walked away from the vehicle after telling the person he wasn't selling anything.

As Atkins continued to walk along Patton Street, police said the vehicle intentionally ran into him. Investigators say Riley and Atkins were not strangers.

"They knew each other. There was an argument that ensued at the vehicle and then that let to the driver intentionally striking the victim in the roadway," said Capt. Laura Downing.

Within 24 hours, investigators determined Riley was driving a Honda Pilot SUV that was registered to his girlfriend, 46-year-old Dennie Goodwin.

Riley and Goodwin also face charged unrelated to the hit-and-run including, larceny, possession of stolen goods and conspiracy.

Atkins made his way to a nearby home, and the resident called 911. Adkins was then transported to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, where he died from his injuries.