🌱 How new DNA tools helped Fayetteville police crack a 2020 homicide
Fayetteville, North Carolina Patch AM: a 4 min readHello Fayetteville! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How new DNA tools helped Fayetteville police crack a 2020 homicide
- How strong is Fayetteville’s economy heading into 2027?
- Meet the Fayetteville educator shaping young minds in two big roles
Today's riddle: What goes up but never goes down? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Tuesday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., with a high of 96 and low of 75 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Wednesday: An afternoon thunderstorm, temps: high: 94, low: 75.
- Thursday: Hot with sunshine, with a high of 98 and low of 77 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Genealogy Identifies Suspect in 2020 Homicide (forensicmag.com) — Fayetteville police have identified and charged a suspect in the 2020 killing of Nena Mollison after using advanced forensic genetic genealogy. Investigators tracked the man from Fayetteville to Georgia, obtained his DNA, and matched it to evidence from the scene. He’s now back in Cumberland County Jail facing a first-degree murder charge. 
2. Q2 2026 Economic Outlook Report features local, state and national indicators (bizfayetteville.com) — Fayetteville’s latest economic outlook shows rising wages, falling unemployment, and a steady housing index for the metro area through at least 2027. Produced at Fayetteville State University, the quarterly report also tracks North Carolina and national trends, giving residents a forward-looking snapshot of jobs, income, and growth that could shape local decisions over the next few years.
3. Daniela Jacobs Daniels named to Fayetteville's 40 Under 40 Class of 2026 (fayobserver.com) — A local educator and business owner from Fayetteville has been named to the city’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2026, highlighting her work with Sandy Grove Elementary and Cherubs Daycare Center II in Fayetteville. She shares how faith, love for children, and a passion for education drive her dual roles as assistant principal and childcare director, plus a bit about her life outside work.
4. Jordin Dickerson named to Fayetteville's 40 Under 40 Class of 2026 (fayobserver.com) — A UNC-Pembroke professor and attorney has been honored in Fayetteville’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2026 for her work in legal education and service to underserved communities. She teaches pre-law courses, advises students toward law school, leads a regional Model UN nonprofit, and stays active in advocacy and professional organizations while balancing family life and a passion for yoga.
📸 Around Fayetteville
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📣 Fayetteville Shout Outs!
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🗓 Events Nearby
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Bend & Brew - NC →
The Rick Herrema Foundation, 5572 Shenandoah Dr, Fayetteville
9:30 am -
Dirtbag Farmers Market →
Dirtbag Ales Brewery & Taproom, 5435 Corporation Dr, Hope Mills
10:00 am -
Career Connection Social →
Dirtbag Ales Brewery & Taproom, 5435 Corporation Dr, Hope Mills
4:00 pm -
Mid-Year Reset: Jamabean Self-Care Social →
Golfview Greenway Walking Trail, 3644 Golfview Rd, Hope Mills
9:30 am -
Baby Bounce: Sensational Dinosaurs →
Spring Lake Public Library, 101 Laketree Blvd, Spring Lake
10:00 am -
Toddler Story Time: Summer Fun →
Spring Lake Public Library, 101 Laketree Blvd, Spring Lake
10:00 am -
Back to the '80s! Family Movie Series →
Spring Lake Public Library, 101 Laketree Blvd, Spring Lake
10:00 am -
Content & Cocktails — Networking Event →
B&G Signature Events, 1167 N Bragg Blvd, Spring Lake
4:00 pm -
Cars and Coffee – Fayetteville, NC →
Millstone 14, 3400 Footbridge Ln, Fayetteville
9:00 am
Thursday July 9
Sunday July 12
Thursday July 16
Saturday July 25
Monday July 27
Tuesday July 28
Saturday August 1
Saturday September 12
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Definitely recommend this hospital over Cape Fear Valley all day every day.
Excellent patient service and exceptional care provided. (Nextdoor Haymont) - My Grandmother
Virginia Harper Caldwell First woman to fly ( accompanied by not alone ) a Jet fueled Aircraft Will post the newspaper article later! She was a… (Nextdoor Parkers Ridge Estates)
- Merry Maids posted a job opening for Future Opening: House Cleaner in Fayetteville. Apply here.
- Cumberland County, NC posted a job opening for Solid Waste Equipment Operator I POS # Various in Fayetteville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Fayetteville here.
Ok Fayetteville! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Your age. (Thank you Dawn K. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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