Man killed in Roanoke Rapids shooting

A man from Roanoke Rapids died in a shooting at a 24-hour gas station late Saturday night.

Police said that Corey Graham, who was around age 20, was killed outside the New Dixie Mart at a BP gas station on U.S. Highway 158, at Interstate 95. Police labeled the case a homicide but have not commented further on the details of Graham's death.

The New Dixie Mart store manager, who asked not to be identified, said that several cars pulled up in the parking lot and the victim got out and made a purchase. When he left the store, other people got out of the car, and a fight started, the store manager said. The store clerk called 911, but before police arrived, guns were drawn. The manager said that the victim was shot beside the gas pump closest to the store.

The day after the shooting, the store manager pointed to bullet holes in the gas pumps, a window near the cash register, inside a restaurant and in the gas station across the street.

Nearby residents and customers said they were shocked by the shooting, which happened in what they described as an upscale part of town.

Police were back at the scene Sunday, combing it for evidence.

Officers would not say if they had any leads or suspects but said the investigation was ongoing.