Lenoir man charged with trying to kill estranged wife

Authorities said that Norman Edward Rich Jr., 39, of Snow Hill, broke into a home on Yardley Lane, west of Kinston, around 8 p.m. He got into a confrontation with his estranged wife and her 50-year-old friend and fired a gun, authorities said.

The woman and her friend escaped unharmed and drove to a friend's house, where they called 911.

Rich contacted a friend, then turned himself in at the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office, with his attorney present, authorities said.

Rich was charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, assault by pointing a gun, assault on a female, domestic criminal trespassing and felony breaking and entering. He was placed in the Lenoir County jail under a $250,000 secured bond.

Authorities said that Rich and his wife are separated and living apart.