Update to Homicide Investigation - Mac’s Speed Shop

Published on January 18, 2026

Roberto E. Bryan Jr.

Chief of Police

Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Shawn Strepay, Police Major – Chief of Staff

Date: January 18, 2026 Phone: (910) 433-1514 OCA: 2026-000175

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 Homicide Investigation

(Fayetteville, NC) – On January 3, 2026, officers with the Fayetteville Police Department responded to reports of a shooting at Mac’s Speed Shop located at 482 N. McPherson Church Road. Upon arrival, they located two individuals who had been shot after an altercation occurred inside the business.

The individuals were identified as Daniel Nakamoto and Timothy Nakamoto who succumbed to the injuries they had sustained that evening. Detectives with the Fayetteville Police Department’s Homicide Unit have conducted a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding these deaths.

After reviewing forensic evidence, witness statements, video surveillance, and in close consultation with the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office, it has been determined that the individual who discharged the firearm acted in lawful self-defense. As a result of these findings, no criminal charges will be filed against the individual. This was an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the community.

First and foremost, our department acknowledges the gravity of this event. Any loss of life in our city is a tragedy, and our thoughts are with the families affected by this outcome. While the legal investigation concludes that the use of force was justified under North Carolina law, the Fayetteville Police Department recognizes that this was an avoidable tragedy. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that arise when disputes escalate into violence, which has permanent consequences. We are asking the community to call for help before a dispute turns into a tragedy. The loss of any life is a weight on our entire city.

The Fayetteville Police Department is not releasing the identity of the individual who acted in self-defense, as the individual has not been charged with a crime.

There is no additional information to release.

Update to Homicide Investigation

(Fayetteville, NC) – Detectives with the Fayetteville Police Department’s Homicide Unit have identified the two decedents from the shooting which took place at 482 N. McPherson Church Road on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

The decedents have been identified as Timothy Nakamoto (Asian male, 43 years of age) and Daniel Nakamoto (Asian male, 45 years of age). Timothy Nakamoto and Daniel Nakamoto are brothers. Timothy Nakamoto was pronounced deceased at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center; Daniel Nakamoto was pronounced deceased on scene.

The preliminary investigation has revealed a verbal argument escalated into a physical altercation inside the business, which then culminated in a shooting.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Further information will be released as it becomes available.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective Cross at 472-210-2381 or Crimestoppers.

Anonymous tips can be submitted to Fayetteville / Cumberland County Crime Stoppers by calling (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.

Homicide Investigation

(Fayetteville, NC) – Detectives with the Fayetteville Police Department’s Homicide Unit are investigating a shooting which occurred at 482 N. McPherson Church Road on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 6:59 pm, which resulted in the death of two people.

Officers responded to the scene reference a reported shooting. Upon arrival, officers located two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. One victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. The second victim was transported to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, where they succumbed to their injuries.

The identities of the decedents are currently being withheld pending next of kin notifications.

A person of interest has been located and is currently being interviewed by detectives.

This is an active investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective Cross at 472-210-2381.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty

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