Halifax Deputies Charge Man in Shooting Death of Woman

A 23-year-old man was being held on a murder charge Monday evening in the shooting death of a woman he lived near, Halifax County sheriff's deputies said.

They arrested Courtney Hawkins at his home on Justice Branch Road  several hours after they found Shinetta McDaniel, 21, dead in her home on South Clanton Drive, deputies said. They had been called to McDaniel's home about a shooting shortly before 2 p.m., they said, but they did not disclose who had made the call.

Lt. Bruce Temple said deputies used a police dog to track down the handgun they believe was used in the slaying. It was found in a wooded area behind Hawkins's home, Temple said.

Deputies who found McDaniel attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation but could not revive her, officials reported. She had suffered a single bullet wound to the torso, they said.

Hawkins was held without bond and was expected to be arraigned Tuesday, Temple said.