Gospel Singer One of Three Accused Killers

Robbie Brewington sang lead vocals with the Brewington family, a gospel group well known in Harnett and Cumberland Counties. He even filled in as an announcer at a Christian radio station in Dunn. To all who knew him, Brewington was a faithful Christian devoted to his 8-year-old nephew, Brian.

Reverend Bobby Strickland says the Brewington's often sang at his church. He would also bring along Brian. Strickland says Brewington was almost a mother and a father to the boy. Becky Strickland recalls how spiritual Brewington always seemed. He was almost like one of Strickland's own children.

Deputies say Brewington has admitted plotting to kill his nephew, on whom he'd taken out a $58,000 life insurance policy earlier this year. His girlfriend, Vera Lee, and a third man, Michael McKeithan have reportedly confessed to setting fire to the boy's house and stabbing his 82-year-old great grandmother.

Robbie and Brian attended services at Eastover Church of God near Fayetteville. Reverend James Brewington, who's not related but sang with the gospel group, says Brian had come to pray with him on the past few Sundays, as if he knew what the future held.

Reverend Brewington remembers Brian being very solemn for the last four or five Sundays. It made Brewington step back and think a second, but he chose not to confront him with it.