A manhunt is underway for Bryan Goodwin, a suspect in a tragic murder case in Brunswick County. Goodwin is accused of taking the life of Jaquin Bethea Jr., who was trying to diffuse a heated situation after Goodwin reportedly lost a dice game.
According to Jaquin’s family, the deadly incident unfolded on August 6th at a residence on Ridge Road in Supply, North Carolina where Goodwin allegedly opened fire on Jaquin.
“He was trying to diffuse a situation between Bryan and someone else when he was shot,” said Jaquin’s sister, Neik Paige.
Paige recounted that her brother, known for his joking nature, had jokingly told Goodwin to “put that little gun up, bruh,” moments before Goodwin allegedly shot him. She explained that Goodwin had lost a dice game, went home to retrieve a gun, and returned.
“He told Bryan, ‘Put that little gun up bruh’ and was killed after those words,” Paige said.
After the shooting, chaos ensued as people fled the scene, leaving Jaquin behind in his final moments, including the person he was trying to diffuse the situation with, Goodwin.
“His mother, Becky Lasalle, whose son was killed by the police, is helping hide him,” Paige said. “She left her home the same day to protect her son and other kids. Making Facebook posts saying she’s going to protect what she birthed and blocked all of our family on Facebook.”
The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office has issued a warning, declaring Goodwin armed and dangerous. He is described as a 30-year-old man, standing 5 feet 7 inches tall, with black hair and brown eyes.
Jaquin, known as “Mookie,” was cherished by his family as a devoted father, son, brother, nephew, and friend. His loved ones are now pleading for anyone with information about Bryan Goodwin‘s whereabouts to step forward.
“He would help anyone in any way he could. He was the life of the party, always laughing, dancing, and joking around. A major part of our family has been taken, said the McNeil and Bethea families.
If you have any leads, please reach out to Det. Hill at 910-713-6071 or dial 911.
