Convicted Murderer Learns His Fate During Sentencing Hearing

SMITHFIELD – Family members of two victims took the stand Friday in the sentencing hearing of Joshua Stewart, in a case which has become known as the “Lizard Lick Shootings.”  Alex Shirley, son of the Lizard Lick Towing TV reality show, was killed, and his friend, Sophie Hagy paralyzed in the 2022 shooting outside of Clayton.  

Sophie was described by her father, Jack Hagy, as a very giving child growing up, who always insisted on helping others in need.

Joshua Stewart, the 20 year-old former gang-member defendant had already pled guilty to murder and attempted murder of the two young people near Clayton.  Stewart agreed to a plea deal and received the maximum sentence of 33 to 38 years behind bars.

Superior Court Judge Thomas Lock listened intently to the highly emotional words of family members of both victims and the mother of the defendant.  

Alex Shirley’s mother said her son was funny and loving.  On the day he died, “My world was decimated, shattered beyond recognition,” she said.  She said that her son was shot 12 times and “bled out in a Sheetz parking lot,” before asking the judge to impose the maximum sentence.

Sophie’s father said, “Every morning, I see her screaming in pain,” describing the horrific results of the shooting which took place three and a half years ago.  

Stewart also listened as the loved ones described their painful losses. Stewart wiped tears from his face.  He was only 17 years old when the shootings took place.  

His mother told the court that he had suffered a violent and difficult upbringing without a father in the home, and had been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and OCD when in school.  On the day of the shooting, he had not taken his prescribed medication meant to combat anger issues, his mother said.

According to court records, the shooting occurred on February 22, 2022 near Clayton, when 5 people who were parked at a memorial service for another friend, were fired upon from behind by at least two suspects.  Twenty shots tore into the rear of the small car, killing Alex Shirley and critically injuring his friend, Sophie Hagy.  The car was driven to Sheetz on NC 42 west of Clayton where help was summoned.

“I can’t forgive you, cuz…maybe one day,” Sophie’s father told Stewart.  He described his daughter as one who was always willing to help others, “Even you,” he said, pointing at the defendant while looking into his eyes.

Sophie Hagy requires daily care with what doctors have called “life-long” injuries.

Stewart pleaded guilty to the charges of second degree murder and attempted first degree murder.

In accordance with his plea appeal, he received:

• 262-272 months for second degree murder 
• 141-182 months for attempted first degree murder, to be served at the conclusion of the first sentence.
• 403-454 months total for a maximum of from 33 to 38 years in prison.
• Given credit for time served, starting February 2022.

Other prosecutions in this case are pending, according to the Johnston County District Attorney’s office.