Fundraisers held for slain trooper's family

A fundraiser was held Saturday for the family of a slain state trooper killed on the job.

Trooper David Shawn Blanton Jr., 24, was killed June 17 during a traffic stop on Interstate 40 near Canton.

The Kernsville community gathered on Saturday to attend a cookout and listen to music. In the evening a dinner was held to raise money for the family.

A judge ruled on July 25 in Haywood County Superior Court that prosecutors could seek the death penalty against Edwardo Wong III, 37, of Ormond Beach, Fla., who is charged in the Blanton’s death.

Blanton’s is survived by his wife, Michaela Blanton, and her son, Tye, who was born seven weeks prematurely. The baby is in critical condition with cardiac and neurological conditions.

The money raised for the events will go toward paying the baby’s medial expenses.

(This story contains information from WFMY News in Greensboro)