Investigation Continues After Fatal Stabbing; Three Charged With Murder
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY)– All three suspects charged in connection with the case have now made their first court appearances.
Those charged are 20-year-old Kevon Sireal Stanley, 18-year-old Skyler Marie Flores and 19-year-old Savannah May Sprouse.
Family members of 23-year-old Adam Travon Smith are seeking answers and justice after his fatal stabbing earlier this week in New Hanover County.
Authorities have charged Kevon Sireal Stanley, 20, Skylar Marie Flores, 18, and Savannah Sprouse, 19, with first-degree murder, felony conspiracy and robbery with a dangerous weapon in connection with Smith’s death.
Stanley made his first court appearance Thursday in New Hanover County District Court. Flores and Sprouse appeared in court Wednesday. All three are being held without bond.
According to investigators, Smith was found dead Monday morning in a parking lot outside Saltwater Marine on Carolina Beach Road, across from Hanover Pines Nature Park.
Lt. Jerry Brewer with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office said investigators believe Flores and Sprouse knew both Smith and Stanley. However, authorities do not believe Stanley and Smith knew each other before the incident.
“The two females, Skyler and Savannah, knew the victim, Smith. Skyler and Savannah knew Stanley, the other suspect, but we don’t think Stanley and Adam Smith knew each other,” Brewer said.
WWAY visited the homes of the three suspects and Smith’s residence in Shallotte but was unable to reach anyone in person. Smith’s aunt, Felicia Grady, later spoke with WWAY about the family’s grief following his death.
In a Facebook post, Grady said the family is committed to pursuing justice for Smith.
“We are committed to seeing justice fully served without wavering. Our position is clear: justice must be served at every level without accepting a plea agreement,” Grady wrote.
Grady said Smith faced challenges throughout his life, spending time living with both his mother in Leland and other family members. Despite those difficulties, she described him as energetic, outgoing and someone who loved music and dancing.
She said Smith had recently been preparing for a new chapter in his life and was planning to move to Wilmington to live with his mother.
A special ceremony will be held on Saturday in Wilmington to honor Adam Smith.
