Investigators identified Timothy and Daniel Nakamoto; a person of interest has been interviewed but no charges have been filed.
FAYETTEVILLE, NC — Two brothers were shot and killed after a dispute inside Mac’s Speed Shop turned into a fight just before 7 p.m. Saturday on North McPherson Church Road, police said. One man died at the scene and the second died at a hospital.
Authorities on Sunday identified the victims as Timothy Nakamoto, 43, and Daniel Nakamoto, 45. Detectives said the men did not know the shooter. Police have interviewed a person of interest and emphasized there is no ongoing threat to the public. The restaurant, at 482 N. McPherson Church Road, remained closed temporarily as investigators collected surveillance video, took statements and requested search warrants. The case has drawn attention across Cumberland County as family, co-workers and friends grieved two lives cut short.
Officers were dispatched just before 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, after reports of gunfire inside the restaurant. Responding units found both brothers wounded. Daniel Nakamoto was pronounced dead at the scene; Timothy Nakamoto was taken to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, where he later died. Police said the violence began as a verbal argument that escalated into a physical fight before shots were fired. “For that to happen on this side of town, it’s not what we’re used to,” said customer Donnalee Munns, who described the hangout as a spot for retired soldiers and community groups. Another diner, Malik Williams, said the shooting would make returning to the restaurant feel different.
Investigators said they have reviewed numerous witness statements and are working to collect videos and results from seized phones under search warrants. A police spokesperson said detectives are “reviewing evidence and working to ensure a complete and accurate understanding of the events that transpired.” The department confirmed that a person of interest had been identified and interviewed. No charges have been filed as of Tuesday evening. Police also said there is no known connection between the brothers and the shooter, and that early evidence indicates the fatal encounter began inside the dining area. The identities of additional witnesses were not released. A motive beyond the initial argument remains unknown.
The brothers’ deaths rippled through workplaces and neighborhoods across the Triangle and Fayetteville. Jevon Smith, a friend who grew up with them and worked alongside them, called the pair “a ball of energy and chemistry” and said they helped him land a job years ago. Smith said Daniel, known as Danny, spent more than two decades working his way up at Best Buy and later settled with his family in Holly Springs. Best Buy said in a statement that Danny was a beloved employee of 25 years and that the company was focused on supporting co-workers as they grieved. Outside the restaurant, a “closed temporarily” sign hung on the door, and shattered glass from a bullet hole was still visible as officers processed the scene.
Fayetteville police said they are consulting with the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office as evidence is reviewed. Detectives continued interviews Tuesday and were working to identify additional people who were at the restaurant shortly before the gunfire. The department did not release the name of the person of interest, citing the ongoing investigation. Funeral arrangements for the brothers had not been announced. The restaurant’s owners did not immediately provide a statement on reopening plans.
Family members expressed shock and asked for privacy as they mourned. “Nobody deserves this,” a relative said. Mourners left messages and small bouquets near the entrance Monday as traffic rolled by on McPherson Church Road. Regulars described Mac’s as a community stop for clubs and charity meetups. “I pray for everybody that’s involved,” Munns said. “I pray the workers and staff that were there can recover from this.” By late Tuesday, police said they had no evidence of an ongoing public-safety threat tied to the case.
As of Tuesday night, no arrests had been announced. Detectives plan to continue reviewing videos and phone records and to meet with prosecutors this week. Police said updates will be provided as major developments occur.
Author note: Last updated January 7, 2026.