Man charged in Scotland Neck fatal shooting

Alden Joseph Ruth Jr. was charged with murder and jailed without bond. He is due in court Sept. 19.

Deputies said Ruth and James Edward Cotton III, 20, were leaving a home on Gallberry Road around 4 a.m. when they began to argue. That's when Ruth allegedly shot Cotton, who later died from his injuries.

Investigators are still trying to determine what caused the argument. Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's office at 252-583-8201.