FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The Fayetteville community is grieving the heartbreaking loss of Cheri Smith, 50, her adult son Erin Poole, 29, and her adult daughter Amanda Smith, 23, who were tragically killed in their home on N. Sumac Circle on the evening of January 25, 2026.
According to the Fayetteville Police Department, officers were dispatched around 9:35 p.m. to the 5200 block of N. Sumac Circle after reports of shots being fired. Inside the residence, Cheri Smith, Erin Poole, and Amanda Smith were found suffering from gunshot wounds.
Investigators said an altercation occurred between Cheri Smith and a known associate, Nijyle Lewis, 25, of Fayetteville. During the confrontation, multiple gunshots were fired and a stabbing occurred.
Cheri Smith and Erin Poole were pronounced deceased at the scene, while Amanda Smith was transported to a local hospital after sustaining life-threatening injuries. Despite medical treatment, she succumbed to her injuries, leaving the family devastated.
Following the incident, Nijyle Lewis, who also suffered multiple stab wounds, fled the residence and sought help at a nearby home. He was treated at a local hospital and remains in stable condition.
After reviewing witness statements, surveillance footage, and 9-1-1 calls, detectives with the Fayetteville Police Department Homicide Unit, in collaboration with the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office, charged Lewis with three counts of First-Degree Murder. Authorities confirmed the incident was isolated and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The next of kin of Cheri Smith, Erin Poole, and Amanda Smith have been notified. The Fayetteville community is left to mourn this tragic loss, as family, friends, and neighbors remember the lives of three loved ones cut far too short.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact Detective B. Pleze at (910) 676-2596, or submit an anonymous tip through Fayetteville / Cumberland County Crime Stoppers at (910) 483-TIPS (8477) or online via http://fay-nccrimestoppers.org.
