Two men have been charged with first degree murder for allegedly shooting a truck driver in North Carolina on March 31.
Another Trucker Helps Police Discover The Body Of Slain Truck Driver
The body of 51 year old box truck driver Destry Horne was discovered in his truck on the on ramp from Highway 108 to U.S. 74 west in Columbus on the morning of March 31 by another truck driver. That driver had pulled in behind Horne’s truck, which rolled backwards and crashed into his truck. The truck driver called police to report the crash, which led to the discovery of Horne’s body.
Police were able to use security footage from a nearby BP gas station to identify three suspects.
Suspects Arrested In Florida On Unrelated Charges
The three suspects were arrested in Florida and accused of invading a home, kidnapping the people inside, and taking them to an ATM soon after Horne’s death. Police recovered the handgun that they believe was used to kill Horne in Florida.
Suspects Face First Degree Murder Charges, More Charges May Follow
Quinton Edwards, 24, and Kwame Fernander, 23, have been charged with first degree murder in Horne’s death. The third suspect, 19 year old Kayla Black, has not yet been charged with Horne’s murder. More charges may await the three suspects as the investigation into their crimes continues. Investigators also believe that they stole a car before Horne’s murder and committed armed robbery afterward. The suspects will remain in custody in Florida until they are extradited to North Carolina.
Police: Murder Could Be Gang Related
Polk County Sheriff Donald Hill says that Horne was randomly targeted. He also says that Edwards and Fernander are known gang members with long criminal histories who he believes should still be behind bars for such crimes as armed robbery and sexual assault.
Horne leaves behind a wife, two daughters, a son, and a seven week old grandson.
Horne’s brother Terry said: “This family, this community won’t overcome this anytime soon.” pic.twitter.com/QnzynEzaDG
— Ashlea Surles (@AshleaSurles) April 7, 2016
Sources:
WLOS
Tryon Daily Bulletin
WHKP
WLOS