CHADBOURN, NC (WECT) - Investigators say a teenage girl is dead after a shooting in Chadbourn Friday morning. Two other people were struck by the same bullet.
An initial investigation shows the incident may have been an accident, according to Police Chief Steven Shaw, as the result of someone attempting to clean a rifle.
However, Shaw says the investigation will continue.
According to police, shots were fired from 313 Third Avenue into 312 Third Avenue around 11 a.m. Friday. The houses are right across the street from each other.
Investigators say Jasmine Thar, a 16-year old girl from Charlotte died. Friends have set up a page on Facebook in her honor.
The other 16-year old, Jahmesha McMillian, is in critical condition, while Jahmesha's aunt Traeka McMillian, 42, suffered the fewest injuries.
Neighbors say the three were loading up a car getting ready to go to Myrtle Beach.
Shaw says one bullet struck all three people. It's the first time Shaw has heard anything like this happening in Chadbourn.
Shaw says James Blackwell, 23, is the shooter.
According to police, Blackwell was taken into custody for personal safety when officers arrived at the scene and tried to piece together what had happened.
However, Blackwell currently has not been charged with anything.
Officers say they've interviewed everyone involved and will pass their information to the DA's office.
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Source: Facebook
Source: Gavin Johnson
Source: Facebook
