Fayetteville Today

An argument between young adults that turned deadly has friends and family in Fayetteville reeling.

Mourners gathered Saturday to pay final respects to 22-year-old Sierra Harper, who was shot and killed in Fayetteville that afternoon.

It’s a fatal incident that Sierra Harper's mother, Colleen Harper, said should never have happened.

“Find Jesus,” Colleen Harper said on a WRAL report. “I’m a believer. I do believe in mercy. Right now I’m not mad, I’m not angry because it’s where it’s at now. My daughter, I truly believe, is with the Lord and in heaven.” 

Family said Sierra Harper and her girlfriend got into an argument that apparently distressed her girlfriend so much that she called a friend, Jaylin McLaughlin, for support. Instead of consoling her, or trying to smooth things over, he allegedly came to the scene and shot Sierra Harper to death.

Police are seeking the 22-year-old McLaughlin, who has been charged with first degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, WRAL reported.

Colleen Harper can only hope that justice will be served, but it’s a belief of another kind that keeps her going.

“I believe in heaven, and I believe I’m going and I’ll see her again,” the victim’s mother said in the report. ‘She’s with my mom and my dad and my sisters. That’s truly what's keeping me going.”

Police are seeking information regarding the whereabouts of McLaughlin. Anyone who knows where he might be is asked to contact Detective M. Waters at (910) 635-4978 or Crimestoppers at (910) 483-TIPS (8477).