DA to seek death penalty in fatal shooting case

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – The District Attorney's Office will seek the death penalty against Quintel Raheem Grady for his involvement in the death of 19-year-old Joshua Proutey.

Proutey was shot in December while heading to his car after working an event at the Community Arts Center on Second and Orange Streets.

Grady and three others were charged in connection with Proutey's death. One of the teens involved said Grady had bought the revolver that killed Proutey hours before the shooting and is also the one who pulled the trigger.

District Attorney Ben David said Grady approached Proutey and demanded money. He says Proutey pulled out $10 to hand over, but asked to keep it. According to David, Proutey was ordered back into his car, but froze, so Grady shot him.

Prosecutors said in court Tuesday that there are aggravating factors in this case, which is why they are seeking the death penalty.

According to the DA, Grady had priors on his record including under 18 robbery with a weapon, fleeing to allude arrest and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

Assistant Capital Defender Nora Hargrove said the defense will file motions to prevent the death penalty, citing the Racial Justice Act and the 8th and 14th Amendments.

The defense also asked the judge to deny cameras in the court room in order to maintain an impartial jury. Judge Hockenbury denied the motion.

Prosecutors have 60 days to comply with the motions filed by the defense and a hearing will be held if necessary, according to the judge.

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