Man charged with first-degree murder in Wilmington shooting death

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Officers with the Wilmington Police Department have made an arrest in connection to a possible homicide that took the life of a 57-year-old man.

James Girlee Hardy, 39, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a felon and first-degree burglary, among several other drug-related charges.

Hardy is accused of being involved in the shooting death of Donald Wayne Gurganious.

Last week, officers found Gurganious, 57, on Pinecrest Parkway, near Greenfield Lake with life-threatening injuries. He was taken to the hospital, where he died.

Police say additional warrants for assault by pointing a gun and possession of a firearm by a felon have been issued for Hardy in connection to a separate incident that happened on Feb. 25, 2020.

Hardy was denied bond during his first court appearance Tuesday morning. His next court date is March 26.

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