NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC — Three young adults are facing first-degree murder charges after a 23-year-old man was stabbed to death during what investigators say was an attempted robbery near Carolina Beach Road.
The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspects as Skylar Marie Flores, 18, Savannah May Sprouse, 19, and Kevon Sireal Stanley, 20.
All three were arrested in connection with the death of Adam Travon Smith, who graduated from Pender High School in 2021.
Deputies discovered Smith’s body shortly before 7 a.m. on June 16 in the parking lot of Saltwater Marine, located in the 6100 block of Carolina Beach Road. According to arrest warrants, Smith was stabbed during an attempt by the three suspects to take money from him at knifepoint. Investigators also allege the trio worked together to plan the robbery before it turned deadly.
How the Investigation Came Together
The case against the suspects began coming together after a park visitor found a cell phone at Hanover Pines Nature Park, situated at 6101 Carolina Beach Road, right next to where Smith’s body was later found.
That phone, combined with a blood trail discovered in the park, gave investigators key leads as they pieced together what happened in the hours before Smith died. The sheriff’s office has said the investigation remains active and that more details could be released as the case develops.
All three suspects now face matching charges, including first-degree murder, conspiracy, and robbery with a dangerous weapon. They are currently being held without bond at the New Hanover County Detention Center.
Court Proceedings Move Forward
Flores and Sprouse appeared in court on Wednesday, June 17, where Judge Richard Kern kept both without bond and scheduled a follow-up hearing for July 2.
Each was assigned a court-appointed capital defender, a detail that signals just how serious the charges against them are. Kern told both defendants that, if convicted, they could face either the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Stanley’s first appearance is set for June 18, when he is expected to be formally read his charges and offered his own capital defender.
Smith’s death has rippled through the local community, particularly within Pender County Schools, where he was remembered fondly by district officials. The district released a statement saying it was saddened to learn of his passing and that its thoughts remain with his family, friends, and everyone affected by the loss.
As of now, no additional suspects have been named, and authorities have not indicated whether they believe anyone else was involved in the planning or execution of the robbery. The sheriff’s office continues to process evidence gathered at both the crime scene and the nearby park, and investigators say the public can expect updates as the legal process continues.
The case has drawn significant attention in the Wilmington area, both because of the violent nature of the crime and the youth of those charged. With Flores and Sprouse possibly facing capital punishment, the upcoming July hearing is expected to be closely watched by the community and by Smith’s family as they search for answers and accountability.
