Triangle Crime Report July 7-13: Murders, Drug Raids & Disturbing Cases Grip the Region

RESEARCH TRIANGLE REGION, NC – The week of July 7–13 brought a troubling spike in crime across the Triangle region. From a deadly birthday party shooting to major drug busts, a missing person case, and human remains discovered in the woods—law enforcement agencies across Wake, Nash, Durham, and Harnett counties were busy with a wide range of serious investigations.

Wake County

Teen Fatally Shot at Gas Station (July 9)

Wake County (July 9): A teenage boy was fatally shot Wednesday night at a gas station near Knightdale Boulevard and Hodge Road. Deputies arrived around 9:40 p.m. and found the juvenile with gunshot wounds; he later died at the hospital. No suspect has been identified, and the investigation is ongoing. The Wake County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information to call (919) 856-6911.

Ex-Firefighter Admits Running Drug Empire (July 10)

Nicholas and Amanda Banister, both 36, have pleaded guilty to operating a major drug trafficking ring that distributed cocaine, meth, LSD, and other narcotics across Eastern North Carolina. Nicholas Banister, a former City of Raleigh firefighter, used his position of public trust to conceal illegal activity, conducting sales in public places like Morgan Street Food Hall. Authorities say he used cryptocurrency and the dark web to buy drugs and advertised them via Snapchat menus. A raid of their home uncovered large quantities of drugs, two firearms, and over $213,000 in cash. Both face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Cary Man Sentenced for Wounding K-9 (July 10)

A Cary man who wounded a police dog during a 2023 armed carjacking has been sentenced to 12.5 years in federal prison. The man fired at officers and injured the K-9 while attempting to evade arrest. He was convicted of multiple charges, including carjacking and using a firearm during a violent crime.

Felon Sentenced After Flashing Gun on Facebook Live (July 7)

Convicted felon Diamonique Newton, 33, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison after posting a Facebook Live video of himself pointing a gun. Raleigh police later searched his home and found two firearms—one stolen—plus drugs and paraphernalia. Newton has a lengthy record and admitted buying the stolen firearm on the street.

Human Remains Found in Wake County (July 13)

An investigation is underway after deputies said a body was found in the woods in Wake County. The Wake County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a report of human remains at around 3:30 p.m. in the 1400 block of Creedmoor Road. Authorities have not released the victim’s identity or cause of death.

Nash County

Federal Charges After Chase and Gunfire (July 8)

Federal charges have been filed against Montrel Devon Ingram, 36, of Rocky Mount for being a felon in possession of a firearm following a dramatic foot chase. During a DUI-related traffic stop, Ingram fled and allegedly fired a gun at pursuing deputies before discarding the weapon and attempting to escape over a fence. Law enforcement recovered the jammed firearm, which still held five rounds, and quickly apprehended Ingram with help from NCSHP troopers. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in federal prison.

25 Pounds of Marijuana, Cash, Guns Seized in Rocky Mount (July 10)

Rocky Mount Police executed a narcotics search warrant at 120 Windchime Ct., seizing over 25 lbs. of marijuana, $6K in cash, and two handguns. Two 19-year-olds, Malachi Lawrence and Darious Higgs, were arrested and face multiple felony drug charges. Both are being held without bond.

Triple Shooting Leaves Two Dead (July 12–13)

Rocky Mount – July 12–13, 2025: Rocky Mount Police responded to three separate shootings, including a double homicide on Virginia Street that claimed the lives of 19-year-old Ryo Steele and 20-year-old La’ren Dickens. Two additional men, ages 29, were injured in separate shootings on Ring Road and West Raleigh Boulevard. Investigations are ongoing.

Harnett County

Knife Threat Leads to Resignation of RPD Sergeant (July 7)

Harnett County (Dunn) – July 7: A Raleigh police sergeant resigned after being arrested for allegedly threatening a disabled man with a knife at a Dunn restaurant on June 25. Wesley Adam Lane, 37, was charged with assault on an individual with a disability and communicating threats after police reviewed surveillance footage and witness statements. Lane, who joined RPD in 2010, submitted his resignation on Monday, July 7, while under internal investigation. He is scheduled to appear in court next month.

Accused Killer Arrested in New Murder Case (July 11)

A Lillington man out on bond for a 2021 murder has been arrested in connection with a deadly June 21 shooting at a birthday party that left one woman dead and two others injured. Moashaun Lafarr Bristow, 27, was charged Friday with first-degree murder, attempted murder, and multiple assault offenses after allegedly opening fire at a gathering of nearly 200 people on Bethea Road. Yoashica Johnson-McKeithan, 48, was killed, and two others were hospitalized. Bristow’s alleged co-conspirator, Christonn Bristow, remains at large. At the time of the incident, Moashaun Bristow was awaiting trial in the 2021 shooting death of Adam Antonio Vasquez and had been released on bond in April. He is currently being held without bond.

Durham County

Durham Woman Missing Since July 10

Durham police are investigating the disappearance of 44-year-old Aundria Edwards Reid, who was last heard from at 10:30 a.m. on July 10. Reid is described as a medium-skinned Black female, 5’6″, approximately 200 lbs., and was last seen driving a white 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe K1500 with NC tag JHW-6100. 

UPDATE: On Monday, July 14, Durham police confirmed that Ms. Reid has been located and is safe.

Around the State

Mass Shooting in Uptown Charlotte

Mecklenburg County – July 13, 2025: A nightclub employee was killed and five others were injured in a mass shooting early Sunday morning in Uptown Charlotte. Police responded around 2 a.m. to the 300 block of North College Street, where 37-year-old Arleigh Alexzander Bryant was found dead at the scene. Three victims were transported to the hospital, and two others arrived on their own with non-life-threatening injuries. While the club insists the incident did not stem from activity inside, witnesses claim an argument began in Encore Nightclub before shots rang out. No suspect has been identified. The case remains under investigation.

UPDATE: The CMPD stated during a press conference on Monday (July 14) that two individuals have been arrested in connection with this case, with the assistance of the Gastonia Police Department. Those individuals are currently being interviewed by homicide detectives. Their identities have not been released.

Conclusion

As the Triangle continues to grow, so too do the challenges facing its communities. From federal prosecutions to local tragedies, the week of July 7–13 served as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance, justice, and community engagement. Authorities continue to investigate many of these cases and urge anyone with information to come forward. Spectacular Magazine will continue to monitor and report on developments across the region.