Victim's brother questions delay in release of suspect's photo

Jerry Pannachia said it took four days before police released a photo of Joseph Demetrius Muller, the man wanted in connection with Ellis' shooting death.

“I don’t feel like they did their job. I feel like she was another name on another list of people that died,” Pannachia said.

Police say Ellis died near her home on Newsom Street Saturday evening. She had multiple gunshot wounds.

Lopez said in the future the department is “looking to ensure that when we do get any photo of the suspect that we put it out as soon as possible.”

“We went to clubs with this guy. We had Thanksgiving dinner multiple times. He came over to my house for Christmas,” Pannachia said.

Pannachia said Muller went to the Sears store where Ellis worked on Saturday and eventually wound up at her home, where he claims Muller shot Ellis in front of another family member.

Pannachia also questioned why surveillance video from Sears wasn't released by police. Police said they did get video from the store, but the quality was not good. Investigators also said they had to sign an agreement saying the video could only be used in court.

Police warn that Muller is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information about Muller's whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 919-683-1200.

On Wednesday evening, the Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force sought information connected to Ellis’ death.

The task force, consisting of police and civilians, canvassed the 400 block of Newsom St., talking to residents and handing out fliers.

Anyone with information about the Hart Street shooting is asked to call Investigator J. Smith at 560-4415, ext. 29312, or Crime Stoppers.