A Scotland Neck man faces murder and other charges in the Saturday morning shooting of his friend.
Donald Franklin Smith, 24, surrendered to the Halifax County Sheriff's Office on unrelated probation violations soon after the murder of Willie Solomon Jr., Scotland Neck police Captain Tommy Parker said in a statement this evening.
In addition to the murder charge, he faces counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, carrying a concealed gun and discharging a firearm in the city limits. He was jailed without opportunity for bond and a first court appearance is pending.
Based on the investigation, the police department determined Smith reportedly shot Solomon while the two were struggling inside a room located at 715 Roanoke Street.
Both men knew each other and it is believed, on the morning of the shooting, they were both intoxicated or impaired by drugs.
“I am very appreciative that the community assisted us in this investigation,” Chief John Tippett said in the statement. “In working together, we were able to keep a killer off the streets."
Parker said, "The officers responded within minutes of the call and did all they could. We have worked several days on this case and it was a senseless murder between two people that knew each other well. The bottom line is that the days of fighting and shaking hands afterwards seem to be over. This young man may spend the rest of his life in prison for making this poor decision."
Funeral arrangements for Solomon have yet to be set.