Julius Sampson Jr: North Carolina father of three killed in random act of violence

Winston-Salem, North Carolina is reeling after the murder of Julius Sampson Jr, a beloved barber and father of three, in what authorities are calling a random act of violence.

Police say 22-year-old, Robert Granato shot and killed 32-year-old, Julius Sampson Jr after an argument broke out between them inside BJs Restaurant and Brew House. It continued into the parking lot near Hanes Mall Tuesday, where witnesses said Granato was waiting with a gun.

Police said Sampson was defending a waitress who was being harassed by Granato who police believe was intoxicated and being belligerent.

At a vigil for Sampson, family and friends remembered the man often called “Juice” as a newlywed and a father of three who wanted to make his community better.

People who knew Julius Sampson Jr say they were not surprised he was helping someone else out because that’s who he was.

“A great individual, a great father, a great husband, a great friend and a great barber,” Latonya Moore who knew Sampson from when he was a student at the Winston-Salem Barber School, said to WFMY2 News.

“A lot of people are going to be touched by his life, were touched by his life… his customers. He was a coach for a little league football team, he mentored a lot of people and he was a hero to a lot of people,” she said.

Julius’ wife, Keyia Sampson, said her husband died a hero.

“You took a hero away from us, and now we are out here to fend for ourselves,” Keyia said to WXII 12 News.

“Hearts are hurting. Souls are hurting. The world is hurting. The message that we are sending just has to stop.”

Keyia said her strength to move forward will come from her daughter and God.

“Knowing that my husband and I had these conversations that God would never leave us or forsake us is what will keep me going, said Keyia. “When we took our vows, we were determined that we are in this fight together.”

Authorities say the fatal shooting was random and doesn’t indicate it was racially motivated, but The North Carolina NAACP is calling on Winston-Salem police to conduct a full investigation.

After news of Julius Sampson Jr murder emerged, it quickly took off on social media with the hashtag #JusticeForJuice