Local News

Alleged Gunman Arrested In Fatal Gas Station Shooting

Posted 2006-11-10T14:41:07+00:00 - Updated 2006-10-04T16:54:00+00:00

An alleged gunman wanted in connection with a fatal gas station shooting in Clinton was arrested in Raleigh on Monday.

Lamar Demond Smith, 31, of Turkey, N.C., now faces charges in the Sept. 2 shooting that killed Merecedes Wilson, 16.

Authorities said the shooting happened after a dispute over using a restroom at a Sunoco gas station on Sunset Avenue in Clinton.

Two other people have been charged with being accessories: store clerk Tijuana Michelle Lesesne, 28, and Ben Strayhorn Jr., 24, both of Clinton.

The shooting marked the first homicide of the year in Clinton this year.

Wilson's family has set up a memorial fund to assist with medical and funeral costs. Donations can be made at any First Citizens Bank. A barbecue lunch and auction fundraiser will also be held on Saturday at Hobbton High School, 12201 Hobbton Highway, Newton Grove, NC 28366. It begins at noon.

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