Kemberle Braden

Release: IMMEDIATE                       Contact: Sgt. A. Caldwell, Public Information Officer

All suspects, and persons charged with a crime, are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Persons of interest are believed to have information relating to a case, and have not been charged unless stated otherwise.

Update To Shooting-Homicide Investigation - Suspect Arrested

(Fayetteville, NC) – A suspect was arrested for the shooting death of Ni’Reash Rayshaun Timmons that occurred along the 1900 block of Palomino Drive on May 7, 2023.

The investigation revealed Ni’Reash Timmons arrived at a residence along the 1900 block of Palomino Drive to purchase narcotics. During the narcotic transaction, an altercation ensued, and Elmer Leon Spears (Black male, 54 years old) of Fayetteville shot Ni’Reash Timmons. Timmons died from his injuries on the scene, and Spears remained on the scene when officers arrived.

Elmer Leon Spears

Elmer Leon Spears was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder. Spears is currently being held at the Cumberland County Detention Center under no bond.

Update Shooting-Homicide Investigation

(Fayetteville, NC) – The deceased victim has been identified as Ni’Reash Rayshaun Timmons (Black male, 27 years old) of South Carolina. His family has been notified.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Shooting-Homicide Investigation

(Fayetteville, NC) – The Fayetteville Police Department’s Homicide Unit is actively investigating the shooting death of an adult male along the 1900 block of Palomino Drive.

On May 7, 2023, at 1:32 a.m., officers with the Fayetteville Police Department were dispatched to a residence along the 1900 block of Palomino Drive for a call of an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers and Emergency Medical Service personnel arrived at the residence where they located the adult male outside suffering from a gunshot wound. The adult male was pronounced deceased on the scene. At this time, the victim’s identity is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification.

The circumstances surrounding the victim’s death are actively under investigation by members of the Fayetteville Police Departments Homicide Unit. The shooting does not appear to be a random act. The victim and the suspect are known to one another. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective D. Arnette at (910) 929-2565 or Crimestoppers at (910) 483-TIPS (8477). Crimestoppers information can also be submitted electronically, by visiting http://fay-nccrimestoppers.org and completing the anonymous online tip sheet, or by downloading the FREE “P3 Tips” app available for Apple devices in the Apple App Store and available for Android devices in Google Play.