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

A Winston-Salem community is reeling after the murder of Julius Sampson. The beloved barber and father of three was killed in what authorities are calling a random act of violence. Police say 22-year-old, Robert Granato shot and killed the 32-year-old 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 defended a waitress as Granato harassed her, and officers believe Granato behaved intoxicated and belligerent. At a vigil for Sampson, family and friends remembered the man often called “Juice”. He was a newlywed and a father of three who wanted to make his community better.

People who knew Sampson say his decision to help someone else didn’t surprise them.

“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. 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 shooter acted at random and insist the evidence does not indicate a racial motiv.. However, the North Carolina NAACP is calling on Winston-Salem police to conduct a full investigation. The Rev. T. Anthony Spearman, president of the state NAACP, said his organization will stay vigilant and make sure investigators examine every angle of the shooting. “We are always concerned that there might not be a full investigation. Unfortunately, it’s not always that our voices are heard,” Spearman said. “So we’re here to put folk on call that we’re making demands, and we’re going to stand behind those demands we make.” After news of Julius Sampson Jr murder emerged, it quickly took off on social media with the hashtag #JusticeForJuice