The Nash County Sheriff’s Office said the shooting followed a heated argument.
WHITAKERS, N.C. — Nash County deputies have identified two men who died after a Saturday morning shooting at a Dollar General on South White Street in Whitakers.
Deputies said 35-year-old Herbert Earl Lawrence Jr. was found inside the store with a gunshot wound to the chest after officers were called at 9:55 a.m. Lawrence died from his injuries. A second man, 32-year-old Wilbert Silver III, was found shot about a half-mile away at Nash and White streets. He also died.
Investigators said the shooting began after Lawrence and Silver argued and then exchanged gunfire. Deputies said one of the men was an employee at the Dollar General. They had not said Saturday night which man worked there.
During a news conference, deputies said it remained unclear whether the two men knew each other before the shooting. Authorities said another employee was inside the business, but no customers were in the store when shots were fired.
The sheriff’s office said people nearby were not believed to be in danger after the shooting. Deputies still asked residents to stay away from the area while the scene was secured and evidence was collected.
No other injuries were reported. The Nash County Sheriff’s Office said the case remained under investigation Saturday night.
Author note: Last updated June 14, 2026.