Local News
Beating victim dies; Cumberland deputies seek suspect
Deputies issued warrants for Antonio Lamont Jones, 26, of 2929 Sterling St. in Hope Mills, for robbery, assault and murder Friday.
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FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Cumberland County sheriff’s deputies upgraded the charges for a wanted man Friday when Dale Freeman Meredith died of a beating suffered Christmas Eve.
Deputies issued warrants for Antonio Lamont Jones, 26, of 2929 Sterling St. in Hope Mills, for the robbery, assault and murder of Meredith.
Meredith was assaulted during an armed robbery on Trailwood Drive, off U.S. Highway 301, just outside the Fayetteville city limits. He was found Christmas day, lying in a ditch.
He was flown from Cape Fear Valley Medical Center to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, where he died Friday morning, according to the sheriff's office.
Jones is described as a black male, 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing approximately 185 pounds. He has black hair, brown eyes and has some teeth missing. He also has sores covering most of his body
The arrest warrants charge Jones with first-degree murder, armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill. Jones is presumed to be armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information regarding Jones’ whereabouts is urged to contact the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office at 910-323-1500.
Jones has convictions for selling and possessing drugs in Cumberland County, according to the state Department of Corrections.
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