Police say the case involved an attempted robbery tied to an online drug deal.
HOPE MILLS, N.C. — A 20-year-old Hope Mills man has been charged with murder after police said a 16-year-old girl was shot during a late-night meeting tied to a drug purchase.
Julius Smith is accused in the death of Kha-Mari Harrison, who was shot April 25 on Fox Ridge Drive near Bridge Street. Police said Harrison later died at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. Two others, including a 15-year-old friend of Harrison and Smith’s aunt, Brittany Grant, also face charges connected to the case.
Hope Mills police said officers were called around 12:20 a.m. after reports of a shooting. Court records say Harrison and her friend had gone to meet Smith after Harrison found him on Instagram and arranged to buy drugs. Investigators said Harrison walked up to Smith’s car before four or five shots were fired. Hope Mills Police Chief Stephen Dollinger said investigators believe they have identified everyone involved. “We’re pretty confident that we have everybody,” Dollinger said.
Authorities said the 15-year-old friend told police that he and Harrison had planned to rob Smith during the meeting. The teen has been charged with armed robbery and conspiracy. Police said Harrison was shot in the chest and ran after the gunfire. Records say her friend used Harrison’s phone to call 911. Smith also faces charges of possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of a Schedule I controlled substance.
Investigators used surveillance video and license plate reader cameras to track vehicles after the shooting. Records say cameras showed a black Chrysler 200 at a gas station on Black Bridge Road minutes after the shooting. A white Ford Mustang with a black top later arrived, picked up the Chrysler’s driver and left. Police said the Chrysler stayed at the gas station until an SUV arrived later that morning.
Grant, 37, is charged with accessory after the fact. Police allege she helped Smith avoid detection and helped hide the car tied to the shooting. Grant turned herself in Tuesday and was being held at the Cumberland County Detention Center on a $250,000 bond. Smith was being held without bond. Dollinger said detectives canvassed the area and used video to help build the case.
Police said they have recovered several weapons, but it remains unknown whether any of them were used in Harrison’s killing. Dollinger said investigators are waiting for ballistics testing. Court documents say Smith appeared to have an AR-style rifle in his car at the time of the shooting, but police have not publicly identified the weapon used.
Smith is scheduled to make his first court appearance May 19. The case remains active as investigators review ballistics results and court records tied to the shooting.
Author note: Last updated May 5, 2026.