GREENSBORO, N.C. — A Vanceboro man is facing a murder charge after a 19-year-old was killed while trying to intervene in a violent altercation, according to the Craven County Sheriff’s Office.
Teen Killed While Trying to Protect Woman and Child
Deputies say Damien Tompkins, 19, stepped in during a physical confrontation involving 55-year-old William Edward Gaskins III, a woman, and a boy at Gaskins’ residence in Vanceboro. Both the woman and the boy suffered injuries during the incident.
Tompkins’ attempt to protect them ended tragically when the situation escalated, resulting in his death.
Suspect Identified as William Edward Gaskins III
Investigators confirmed that Gaskins is being charged with an open count of murder, a charge often used when authorities are still determining the degree of homicide.
He was taken into custody and is currently being held at the Craven County Confinement Facility without bond.
The Craven County Sheriff’s Office said the case remains under active investigation as deputies work to uncover additional details
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