ELLERBE — A man wanted for a weekend murder was apprehended Saturday following a chase-turned-wreck.
According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a call of someone being shot at the Ellerbe Manor apartment complex in Ellerbe on Saturday, May 10.
The reported victim was treated by FirstHealth EMS and taken to the hospital in Rockingham where he later died from his injuries, according to the sheriff’s office.
An eyewitness reportedly provided information on the suspect — 27-year-old Shykeem Jerome McLaughlin, of the same apartment complex — and a deputy in the area reportedly saw the vehicle, a 2013 Kia stationwagon, and attempted to initiate a stop.
McLaughlin reportedly refused to stop, driving in excess of 15 mph over the posted speed limit, before eventually crashing the car.
The weapon used in the fatal shooting, a SCCY 9mm semi-automatic handgun, was reportedly found by Rockingham Police Department’s K-9 Mick and handler Sgt. Keeley Sutton; and other evidence was reportedly recovered by RCSO K-9 Hunter and Detective Josh Haley.
McLaughlin was arrested and charged with an open count of murder, as well as fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Court records show McLaughlin was also cited for: littering; failure to wear a seat belt; exceeding posted speed; reckless driving with wanton disregard; driving while license revoked; having an expired registration; and several other traffic violations.
McLaughlin is being held without bond in the Richmond County Jail. He was scheduled for his first appearance in court on Monday and his next appearance is set for May 29.
Records with the N.C Department of Adult Correction show McLaughlin most recently served 31 months in prison following a 2017 Moore County conviction of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and possession of a firearm by a felon.
McLaughlin was first convicted in Moore County of misdemeanor larceny and possession of Schedule VI controlled substance in 2014.
Later that year, he was convicted of second-degree burglary, breaking and entering vehicles, breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, and assault by pointing a gun.
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
