Suspected Gang Member Sentenced To Prison For 2021 Murder

SMITHFIELD – A suspected gang member will spend the next 20 to 25 years of his life behind bars. Sincere Shamar McLean of Fuquay Varina pled guilty August 7, 2023 to second-degree murder for the fatal shooting of Frank Aaron “Shine” Blackshell of Smithfield.

On June 19, 2021 around 5:15am, Smithfield Police responded to shots fired call at the corner of Harris and Collier Streets in East Smithfield. Police found Blackshell suffering from a gunshot wound to the head in the passenger seat of a car parked in the street. He was rushed to the hospital but died a few hours later. Gunshots also struck a nearby dwelling.

McLean, who was 19 at the time, was arrested later that same day in Harnett County on charges of possessing a concealed Taurus 9mm handgun. Sergeant David Tyndall of the Smithfield Police Department noticed the ammunition in the handgun was similar to ballistic evidence recovered from the scene of the homicide.

The Taurus 9mm located on McLean was sent to the Fayetteville Police Department Forensic Firearms Unit where it was determined to be the firearm that fired the shell casings recovered from the scene of the shooting.

McLean’s social media accounts showed him to be in possession of the firearm the day before Mr. Blackshell’s homicide.

Superior Court Judge Paul Holcombe sentenced McLean to a minimum of 20 years to a maximum of 25 years in prison. The State of North Carolina was represented by Assistant District Attorney Keith Gordon.

ADA Gordon said he was pleased with the outcome. “This conviction was the result of tenacious police work. We thank lead investigator David Tyndall, Detective David Johnson, and the entire Smithfield Police Department for their hard work solving this senseless killing. We also thank the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Fayetteville Police Department for their assistance. The Johnston County District Attorney’s Office is committed to combating gang related violence.”

Frank Blackshell was a 1980 graduate of Smithfield Selma High and attended Elizabeth City State University on a four year basketball scholarship. He was known for his athletic ability. According to his obituary, he was a member of Evans Chapel AME Church in Smithfield. He was remembered by family and friends for his “100 watt smile” and his love of the community.