Security Threat Creates Court Changes For Three Charged With Murder

FRANKLIN COUNTY, N.C. — Security was heightened Tuesday for the court appearance of three men arrested in the shooting death of a popular Franklin County student.

Antoine Perry, 19, Charles Mayo, 20, and Eliot Hazelwood, 25, are charged with first-degree murder. They appeared in court, despite concerns that armed supporters of the men would cause trouble.

There were no arrests Tuesday, but family members and friends faced tight security measures. The judge read the accused men their rights before sending them back to jail without bond. Court records show all three men had prior run-ins with the law.

Sheriff's investigators say the men took turns firing shots outside a Franklin County party over the weekend, killing Bunn High School athlete Marc Philippeaux. They believe Perry was the person who fired the fatal shot. They also said Philippeaux was a random victim of the shooting and was hit in the head from about 50 yards away.

Investigators received a break in the case Tuesday when someone's tip led them to the alleged murder weapon -- an SKS rifle. The weapon was found on a rural road in Franklin County. Authorities do not know who the weapon belongs to, but they said it is cheap and easy to buy.

Philippeaux's funeral is scheduled for Saturday at Bunn High School. Authorities said their investigation is ongoing and others could be charged as accessories.

January 17, 2005:

Friends, Classmates Mourn Loss Of Franklin County Athlete

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