Man connected to suspect in Fayetteville store slaying is arrested

Fayetteville police think Porter may have committed crimes with Kelly Eugene Elliott, who is wanted on a murder charge in the death of 27-year-old Errol Williams. Williams was kidnapped Sunday after he stopped at a Kangaroo convenience store on Bragg Boulevard to ask for directions and shot blocks away.

Porter was found and arrested in the 6000 block of Gavins Street and taken to the Cumberland County Detention Center.

He is charged by Fayetteville police with assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury and conspiracy to commit a felonious assault. He also faces warrants from Raleigh police on two counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon.

“Through the continual efforts of detectives with the Fayetteville Police Department, Anthony Porter remains a suspect in several criminal investigations, and additional warrants may be forthcoming,” Fayetteville police said in statement.

Police think three men were involved in the killing of Williams, and those men returned to the convenience store hours later to rob two customers and steal the store's surveillance equipment. But it was too late. Police had already distributed images that led to a flood of tips that continued through the week, identifying the alleged shooter and the getaway car.

Two men are charged in connection with the crime – Kourtney Terrell Reed, 20, and Kelly Eugene Elliott, 31. Both are wanted on charges of murder, kidnapping and robbery with a dangerous weapon in connection with the crime.

Elliott, whose last known address was on Dominion Road, has served time for assault, robbery, vehicle theft and drugs.

Police did not have a fixed address for Reed, but they said both men should be considered armed and dangerous.

Police have said three men were present when Williams was attacked, but they have not identified a third suspect.

The investigation widened to include Porter and Eric Lamont Phillips, 32, two men accused of committed crimes with Elliott but not specifically linked to Williams’ death.

Phillips 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.

Police also are seeking Joseph DeShawn Haskins, 21. There are no warrants out for Haskins' arrest. Police merely want to speak to him.

Haskins' last known address was 926 Spellman Drive in Fayetteville.