Tykese Aerian McFayden, 23, was killed in a violent gunfight that broke out in a residential area of Fayetteville, North Carolina, early on Monday, January 19, 2026.
Fayetteville Police Department officers and emergency medical services responded just after 12:30 a.m. to reports of shots fired in the 1400 block of Tangora Lane, within the Creeks Edge Townhomes community off McDougal Drive. Upon arrival, they found McFayden outside a townhome suffering from gunshot wounds; he was pronounced dead at the scene despite immediate aid attempts.
A second individual was also discovered at the location with gunshot injuries. This person was transported to a local hospital for treatment and is expected to recover, as the wounds were described as non-life-threatening. The presence of multiple victims underscored the intensity of the brief but violent confrontation that unfolded in the otherwise quiet townhome complex.
Preliminary findings indicate the shooting stemmed from an exchange of gunfire among individuals who knew each other, distinguishing it from a random act. The exact trigger for the dispute has not been publicly detailed, but the known relationship between parties involved has guided the direction of the probe, focusing on personal connections rather than stranger violence.
Detectives from the Fayetteville Police Department’s Homicide Unit have taken lead on the case, classifying it as the city’s third homicide investigation of 2026. The scene in the 1400 block of Tangora Lane was processed thoroughly for evidence, including ballistics and potential witness accounts from the surrounding townhomes, as the overnight timing limited immediate observations.
This incident at the 1400 block of Tangora Lane in Fayetteville, North Carolina, has added to concerns over gun violence in residential areas, leaving the community to reflect on the loss of a young life amid an active and ongoing investigation seeking full accountability. Authorities continue to encourage tips from the public to aid in resolving the circumstances surrounding Tykese Aerian McFayden’s death.