The grim discovery was made earlier this week when deputies with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a body lying near the roadside. Upon arrival, law enforcement confirmed the deceased as 33-year-old Steven Wayne Morrison Jr., a beloved local figure who was known for his big heart, easygoing personality, and the nickname “Turtle Boy,” which friends say perfectly captured his gentle spirit and quirky sense of humor.
Investigators immediately secured the scene, collecting evidence and canvassing the area for witnesses. While officials have not released full details regarding the cause of death, authorities confirmed that the case is being treated as a homicide investigation. The Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone who may have been traveling on Clinton Road or in the surrounding area during the late evening or early morning hours to come forward with any information that could assist in piecing together what happened.
For those who knew Steven, the news of his death has been devastating. Friends, family, and community members describe him as a kind soul who never hesitated to lend a hand or share a laugh. “He was just one of those people who made everyone feel like family,” said one longtime friend. “He might not have had much, but he’d give you whatever he could. That was just who Turtle Boy was.”
Steven’s nickname, “Turtle Boy,” reportedly stemmed from his lifelong love of turtles and his tendency to move through life at his own calm, steady pace — a symbol, his friends say, of his patience and kind nature. To many in the community, he wasn’t just a familiar face; he was a friend, a neighbor, and someone who carried an unmistakable light wherever he went.
The area surrounding Clinton Road has become a place of mourning, with candles, flowers, and handwritten notes now appearing near the spot where Steven’s body was found. Local residents and passersby have stopped to pay their respects, leaving behind tokens of remembrance for a man whose life, though tragically cut short, touched so many hearts.
The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office has expressed its commitment to finding answers and bringing justice for Steven and his loved ones. “We are working tirelessly to determine the circumstances surrounding Mr. Morrison’s death,” officials said in a statement. “We ask for the public’s assistance and continued cooperation as this investigation moves forward.”
As the investigation unfolds, the community’s focus has turned to honoring Steven’s life and supporting his grieving family. Friends have organized online fundraisers to help with funeral expenses, while others have shared heartfelt tributes and photographs capturing his laughter, generosity, and the many ways he brought joy to others.
Those closest to him describe Steven as a man who loved the simple things — fishing, music, spending time with friends, and finding humor in everyday moments. “He didn’t need much to be happy,” another friend said. “He just wanted everyone around him to smile. That’s what made him special.”
While his passing leaves behind a deep void in the hearts of many, the outpouring of love and remembrance from the Fayetteville and Cumberland County communities serves as a powerful testament to how deeply Steven “Turtle Boy” Morrison Jr. was loved. His spirit — gentle, generous, and full of life — will continue to live on in the stories, laughter, and memories shared by all who knew him.
Authorities continue to ask anyone with information about the case to contact the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers. For a community in mourning, the hope for answers — and for justice — remains unwavering.
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