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By: Erin Smith
Bladen County Sheriff Jim McVicker said on Thursday afternoon that two suspects have surrendered to authorities in connection to a homicide that ocurred on Elkton Road in Clarkton.
According to Sheriff McVicker, Bryan Barnette Bellamy Jr., 21, of 1817 Elkton Road, Clarkton was the victim of a shooting.
“Our 911 center received a call at approximately 9 a.m. this morning reporting an individual with a gunshot wound to the head,” said McVicker. “Officers and EMS responded to the scene, 1817 Elkton Road, where they found the victim, Bryan Bellamy, laying in the yard.”
He said that officers on the scene began investigating. Sheriff McVicker said that there was a witness on the scene that gave “a good description of the vehicle and what ocurred.” He said a description of the suspects and their vehicle was broadcast.
“Investigators went to the suspects parents and talked to them,” said Sheriff McVicker.
He said that at about 11 a.m., the two suspects surrendered to the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office where they were charged with first-degree murder. Sheriff McVicker said there may be more charges filed.
Charged were Christopher Jaquan Smith, 24, of 94 Cary Kemp Drive, Clarkton, and Haywood Lee Lewis, 38, of 4527 US Hwy. 701 South, Elizabethtown. Both men are being held in the Bladen County Jail with no bond. Their first appearance will be on Friday morning.
Sheriff McVicker said the suspects’ vehicle was found abandoned at the Oakdale apartments.
“We are still investigating this incident and have more interviews to do and forensic evidence to process,” said McVicker. “We do not have a motive for this murder. We have heard possible reasons but have yet to identify the actual motive. The victim and suspects knew each other.”
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