Errol Williams Update: N.C. police ID suspects in murder of Navy vet; one arrested
(CBS) FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - Police in Fayetteville, N.C. identified three people Wednesday who they say are responsible for the shooting death of Errol Williams, a 27-year-old Navy veteran and father of two, who was gunned down early Sunday after being robbed and kidnapped, CBS affiliate WRAL reports.
According to Police Chief Harold Medlock, Kelly Eugene Elliott, 31, has been charged with first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree kidnapping and one count of robbery with a dangerous weapon in Williams' death.
Anthony Solomon Porter and Eric Lamont Phillips are associates of Elliott, investigators said.
Porter, 36, is wanted on two counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon in connection with an incident in Raleigh. Medlock said Wednesday that Elliot and Porter are still at large and should be considered armed and dangerous.
Phillips, 32, was arrested Tuesday and charged with two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine. He was in the Cumberland County jail Wednesday under a $75,000 secured bond.
After surveillance images and video from the gas station were released following the death of Williams, investigators believe Elliot, Porter and Phillips returned to the store Sunday afternoon to steal the surveillance equipment there. They also robbed two customers, police said.
Medlock said Wednesday that investigators believe the men may be responsible for numerous robberies in Fayetteville and Cumberland County.
"We're very concerned for the public, and I'm concerned for my officers," he said Wednesday morning in a news conference to announce the charges. "We expect additional charges will be filed against these individuals."
A gray Kia Sportage seen leaving the convenience store after both crimes has been seized by police, Medlock said, and authorities are now looking for a white Mercedes SUV.
Medlock also said Wednesday that investigators believe Williams was in the "wrong place at the wrong time" when he was robbed, kidnapped and shot.
"(Errol Williams) simply came to the convenience store to get directions and was the unfortunate victim of what occurred," he said.
Medlock also reiterated a warning issued Tuesday to the public, saying that people need to continue to go about their business while also being aware of their surroundings.
Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at 910-433-1856 or Crime Stoppers at 910-483-8477.