U.S. Marshals Expand Manhunt for North Carolina Double Murder Suspect
Federal authorities have joined the search for a North Carolina man accused of killing two cousins in a 2025 double homicide that left 12 children without a parent.
The U.S. Marshals Service announced it is now assisting local investigators in locating Dexter Lamar Scales Sr., 46, who faces two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shootings of Shanika Penn, 37, and Samuel Brooks, 42, in Reidsville, North Carolina.
According to investigators, the victims were found with gunshot wounds after officers responded to reports of gunfire on June 12, 2025. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities say Scales fled shortly after the incident and has remained at large ever since.
Victims Leave Behind 12 Children
The tragedy had a devastating impact on two families.
Penn was the mother of seven children, while Brooks was the father of five children, including an infant. Together, their deaths left 12 children without a parent, adding urgency to the ongoing search for the suspect.
Law enforcement officials believe Scales left the area shortly after the killings and has successfully avoided capture for more than a year.
Authorities Increase Reward to $18,000
Investigators are asking the public for help in locating Scales.
The Reidsville Police Department had previously announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. Following the U.S. Marshals Service’s involvement, an additional $8,000 reward has been added, bringing the total possible reward to $18,000. Authorities have also released photographs highlighting the suspect’s tattoos in hopes of generating new leads.
In a related development, Deaja Lamiya Scales, the suspect’s daughter, was arrested in July 2025 and charged as an accessory after the fact in connection with the investigation. Court records regarding her plea or legal representation have not been publicly confirmed.
Investigation Continues
The U.S. Marshals Service and local law enforcement continue to search for Scales and are encouraging anyone with credible information about his whereabouts to contact authorities. Officials hope the increased reward and expanded federal involvement will help bring the case to a close and provide long-awaited justice for the victims’ families.
