Lashanta Fearrington has been in the Orange County jail since he was arrested on murder charges Christmas Eve following the shooting death of his 18-month-old nephew, Measha Lamont Fearrington. He made his first court appearance on Friday.
According to investigators, Fearrington was involved in an argument with his mother's boyfriend, James Edwards, when the shooting occurred. Both men were fighting over a gun when it went off.
The bullet went through Edwards' leg and hit Measha in the head, killing him instantly.
Fearrington has been charged with first-degree murder.
In court Friday, Fearrington was assigned a court-appointed attorney. Many of Fearrington's friends were present in the courtroom during his appearance.
"I could see the hurt in his eyes," said Felicia Tart, who has known Fearrington for more than a decade. "I know that he has been crying. He is upset about it.
"I've never seen him be violent with anybody because he is so quiet. He has always been sweet and nice. It's just hard to believe."
Fearrington will be back in court Monday to discuss the possibility of setting bond. Measha will also be buried on that day.
WRAL has also learned Fearrington has a pending assault charge filed by Carrboro police last June. He failed to show up in court for that case.
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