Three Men Apprehended by Martin County Deputies Following Deadly Overnight Shooting at Large Gathering

Martin County deputies arrested three men following a fatal Sunday shooting in Hassell. Suspects face weapons charges while the homicide investigation continues.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 16, 2026, 10:06 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from WITN

Investigation Into Fatal Violence at Large Martin County Gathering

Law enforcement officials are investigating a violent incident that claimed a life during the early hours of Sunday in the community of Hassell. According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to a large gathering at approximately 1:00 AM following reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, emergency responders located one individual who had sustained fatal gunshot wounds, initiating a high priority homicide investigation and a regional search for those involved in the discharge of weapons.

Three Suspects Taken Into Custody on Weapons Charges

The investigation led to the rapid identification and apprehension of three male suspects believed to be linked to the violence. According to Martin County deputies, Shanquan Rascoe, Ja’Kayvion Joyner, and Raakell Hawkins were arrested on Monday. While the investigation into the specific circumstances of the homicide continues, all three men have been officially charged with discharging a weapon into an occupied property, a serious felony related to the events that unfolded overnight Sunday.

Tactical Standoff in Oak City Ends with Peaceful Surrender

The arrests followed a period of heightened tension in the neighboring town of Oak City, where law enforcement spent several hours engaged in a tactical standoff. According to Sheriff Drew Robinson, a man barricaded himself inside a residence, refusing to comply with initial orders to surrender. The situation was resolved peacefully when the suspect eventually exited the home and was taken into custody by awaiting deputies, though officials are still working to confirm the exact connection between this standoff and the Hassell shooting.